Editorial photo #12683663 Religion and Belief

Painting Of Halchowk Aakash Bhairab Masks In Preparation For Indra Jatra Festival

TEJ BAHADUR CHITRAKAR, 87, a veteran artist who paints the Khwapa (mask) of Halchowk Aakash Bhairab for over five decades, is seen painting the mask in preparation for the Indra Jatra festival on August 28, 2025, in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Halchowk Aakash Bhairab, revered as a fierce guardian deity, occupies a central role in Newar culture, and his dance is one of the key attractions of the Indra Jatra festival, drawing large crowds of devotees and spectators annually. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Photo details

Photo ID: #12683663
Date taken: 28 August 2025
Location: —
Photographer: Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category: Religion and Belief

Related keywords

One Person Three Quarter Length 2025 August28 Full Length Halchowk Aakash Bhairab Indra Jatra Indra Jatra Festival Kathmandu Khwapa Large Group Of People Nepal Newar culture Safal Safal P Shrestha Safal Photos Safal Prakash Shrestha SafalPrakashShrestha dance devotees festival mask safalphotos spectators tradition Tej Bahadur Chitrakar veteran artist Khwapa mask painting guardian deity key attractions large crowds August 28 artist preparation fierce central role Newar culture revered guardian deity annual crowds NurPhoto Bhairab Indra Jatra.