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Full-fledge Preparations Begins In Nepal For Indra Jatra, A Festival Dedicated To Lord Of Rain

People from the Newar Community pull the massive wooden Indradhoj pole, locally known as Yasi, to the main square of the Kathmandu Durbar Square in preparation for the upcoming Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 31, 2025. The sacred pole, traditionally cut from a carefully selected tree, is carried with great effort and devotion by the locals through a long procession. In Nepal, Devraj Indra, the God of rains and good harvest, is worshipped for eight days, starting with the erection of a sacred wooden pole locally called ''Yashi'' at the premises of Kathmandu Durbar Square. The fourth day of the marathon worship festival witnesses singing, mask dance, and other rituals. The Fourth Day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra, as per the lunar calendar, is the Indra Jatra, which is followed for a long time. Legends say that the Indra Jatra festival is observed to celebrate the victory of the gods over the demons to release Jayanta, the son of Lord Indra. It is believed that Lord Indra comes to the earth to collect white flowers for his mother but is caught by the locals (The Newars) of the Kathmandu valley and kept bound. After Lord Indra's mother, Jayanta, comes and discloses his identity, a procession takes place, which continues till now. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#12698199
Date Taken	31 August 2025
Location	N/A
Photographer	Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category	Religion and Belief
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto

Medium Group of People Action Shot Newar Community Indradhoj pole Yasi: Kathmandu Durbar Square Indra Jatra festival sacred pole tree selection procession Nepal Devraj Indra God of rains good harvest eight days sacred wooden pole Yashi: marathon worshiping festival singing mask dance rituals Fourth Day waxing moon Bhadra lunar calendar victory gods demons Jayanta Lord Indra white flowers Kathmandu valley Newars Subaas Shrestha NurPhoto tradition festival preparation cultural heritage religious celebration local customs.