Editorial photo #12713962 Religion and Belief
Indra Jatra Festival Starts In Kathmandu, Nepal
Nepalese devotees pull and erect a ceremonial pole, Yonshi or Indra Dhwaj, at Hanuman Dhoka on the first day of the eight-day Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 4, 2025. The Yonshi is cut from the Bhaktapur forest and is traditionally raised to commence the festival honoring Indra, the King of Heaven and Lord of Rains. The celebration, mainly observed by the Newar community, features mask dances such as Dee Pyakhan, Majipa Lakhey, Halchowk Akash Bhairab, Pulukishi, Mahakali Pyakhan, singing, and other religious rituals. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto)
