"wooden chariot"

#12801690

27 September 2025

A masked dancer in the form of Hindu deities takes flight in the air as they tour around the temple of Shikali. This is an age-old tradition celebrated in Khokana, Nepal, as a substitution for the fortnightly festival of Dashain on September 27, 2025. Khokana, a medieval Newari heritage village in the southern Kathmandu Valley, observes Shikali Jatra for five days, dedicating it to the goddess Shikali, also known as Ajima or Mother Goddess. Gods and goddesses in human form take flight as they tour around the Sikali temple, which is located on a grassy hill just outside the village. The festival starts with Goddess Rudrayani or Shikali being carried in a wooden chariot throughout the village and rested in front of the temple in Khokana, along with various religious copper vessels. The Jatra witnesses Tantric rituals along with masked dances garbed in colorful attire, representing 14 gods and goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon. Priests clad in white robes, along with 14 masked deities, come together to perform the dance. It is believed that the goddess protects the town from misfortunes and prevents calamities, and it is regarded as an occasion for the farmers to rejoice in the post-harvest season. The dances shown during the Jatra are based on various religious beliefs and perceptions.

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#12801691

27 September 2025

A masked dancer in the form of Hindu deities takes flight in the air as they tour around the temple of Shikali. This is an age-old tradition celebrated in Khokana, Nepal, as a substitution for the fortnightly festival of Dashain on September 27, 2025. Khokana, a medieval Newari heritage village in the southern Kathmandu Valley, observes Shikali Jatra for five days, dedicating it to the goddess Shikali, also known as Ajima or Mother Goddess. Gods and goddesses in human form take flight as they tour around the Sikali temple, which is located on a grassy hill just outside the village. The festival starts with Goddess Rudrayani or Shikali being carried in a wooden chariot throughout the village and rested in front of the temple in Khokana, along with various religious copper vessels. The Jatra witnesses Tantric rituals along with masked dances garbed in colorful attire, representing 14 gods and goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon. Priests clad in white robes, along with 14 masked deities, come together to perform the dance. It is believed that the goddess protects the town from misfortunes and prevents calamities, and it is regarded as an occasion for the farmers to rejoice in the post-harvest season. The dances shown during the Jatra are based on various religious beliefs and perceptions.

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#12801692

27 September 2025

A masked dancer in the form of Hindu deities takes flight in the air as they tour around the temple of Shikali. This is an age-old tradition celebrated in Khokana, Nepal, as a substitution for the fortnightly festival of Dashain on September 27, 2025. Khokana, a medieval Newari heritage village in the southern Kathmandu Valley, observes Shikali Jatra for five days, dedicating it to the goddess Shikali, also known as Ajima or Mother Goddess. Gods and goddesses in human form take flight as they tour around the Sikali temple, which is located on a grassy hill just outside the village. The festival starts with Goddess Rudrayani or Shikali being carried in a wooden chariot throughout the village and rested in front of the temple in Khokana, along with various religious copper vessels. The Jatra witnesses Tantric rituals along with masked dances garbed in colorful attire, representing 14 gods and goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon. Priests clad in white robes, along with 14 masked deities, come together to perform the dance. It is believed that the goddess protects the town from misfortunes and prevents calamities, and it is regarded as an occasion for the farmers to rejoice in the post-harvest season. The dances shown during the Jatra are based on various religious beliefs and perceptions.

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#12801693

27 September 2025

A masked dancer in the form of Hindu deities takes flight in the air as they tour around the temple of Shikali. This is an age-old tradition celebrated in Khokana, Nepal, as a substitution for the fortnightly festival of Dashain on September 27, 2025. Khokana, a medieval Newari heritage village in the southern Kathmandu Valley, observes Shikali Jatra for five days, dedicating it to the goddess Shikali, also known as Ajima or Mother Goddess. Gods and goddesses in human form take flight as they tour around the Sikali temple, which is located on a grassy hill just outside the village. The festival starts with Goddess Rudrayani or Shikali being carried in a wooden chariot throughout the village and rested in front of the temple in Khokana, along with various religious copper vessels. The Jatra witnesses Tantric rituals along with masked dances garbed in colorful attire, representing 14 gods and goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon. Priests clad in white robes, along with 14 masked deities, come together to perform the dance. It is believed that the goddess protects the town from misfortunes and prevents calamities, and it is regarded as an occasion for the farmers to rejoice in the post-harvest season. The dances shown during the Jatra are based on various religious beliefs and perceptions.

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#12801694

27 September 2025

A masked dancer in the form of Hindu deities takes flight in the air as they tour around the temple of Shikali. This is an age-old tradition celebrated in Khokana, Nepal, as a substitution for the fortnightly festival of Dashain on September 27, 2025. Khokana, a medieval Newari heritage village in the southern Kathmandu Valley, observes Shikali Jatra for five days, dedicating it to the goddess Shikali, also known as Ajima or Mother Goddess. Gods and goddesses in human form take flight as they tour around the Sikali temple, which is located on a grassy hill just outside the village. The festival starts with Goddess Rudrayani or Shikali being carried in a wooden chariot throughout the village and rested in front of the temple in Khokana, along with various religious copper vessels. The Jatra witnesses Tantric rituals along with masked dances garbed in colorful attire, representing 14 gods and goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon. Priests clad in white robes, along with 14 masked deities, come together to perform the dance. It is believed that the goddess protects the town from misfortunes and prevents calamities, and it is regarded as an occasion for the farmers to rejoice in the post-harvest season. The dances shown during the Jatra are based on various religious beliefs and perceptions.

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#12714583

4 September 2025

The giant Swet Bhairab idol is unveiled to the public at Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 4, 2025, for the first day of Indra Jatra. The deity's protective wooden windows, which are opened only during this Jatra, reveal the fierce and divine visage to locals and devotees, blessing participants throughout the festival.

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#12714588

4 September 2025

The giant Swet Bhairab idol is unveiled to the public at Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 4, 2025, for the first day of Indra Jatra. The deity's protective wooden windows, which are opened only during this Jatra, reveal the fierce and divine visage to locals and devotees, blessing participants throughout the festival.

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#12714589

4 September 2025

The giant Swet Bhairab idol is unveiled to the public at Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 4, 2025, for the first day of Indra Jatra. The deity's protective wooden windows, which are opened only during this Jatra, reveal the fierce and divine visage to locals and devotees, blessing participants throughout the festival.

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#12710584

3 September 2025

A local worker cleans a chariot built in front of the Gaddhi Baithak in the premises of the Kathmandu Durbar Square as the nation prepares for the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 3, 2025. The fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra, according to the lunar calendar, is the Indra Jatra, which has been followed for a long time. Devraj Indra, the God of rains and good harvest, is worshipped for eight days, starting with the erection of a sacred wooden pole, ''Lingo,'' at the premises of Kathmandu Durbar Square. The fourth day of the marathon worship festival witnesses singing, mask dance, and rejoicing with other rituals. The procession in Kathmandu Durbar Square has the living goddess Kumari as the center of attraction as Goddess Kumari appears publicly on this particular day. 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. Indra, the god of rain, is worshipped in this festival primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12710587

3 September 2025

A local worker cleans a chariot built in front of the Gaddhi Baithak in the premises of the Kathmandu Durbar Square as the nation prepares for the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 3, 2025. The fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra, according to the lunar calendar, is the Indra Jatra, which has been followed for a long time. Devraj Indra, the God of rains and good harvest, is worshipped for eight days, starting with the erection of a sacred wooden pole, ''Lingo,'' at the premises of Kathmandu Durbar Square. The fourth day of the marathon worship festival witnesses singing, mask dance, and rejoicing with other rituals. The procession in Kathmandu Durbar Square has the living goddess Kumari as the center of attraction as Goddess Kumari appears publicly on this particular day. 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. Indra, the god of rain, is worshipped in this festival primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12710596

3 September 2025

A local worker cleans a chariot built in front of the Gaddhi Baithak in the premises of the Kathmandu Durbar Square as the nation prepares for the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 3, 2025. The fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra, according to the lunar calendar, is the Indra Jatra, which has been followed for a long time. Devraj Indra, the God of rains and good harvest, is worshipped for eight days, starting with the erection of a sacred wooden pole, ''Lingo,'' at the premises of Kathmandu Durbar Square. The fourth day of the marathon worship festival witnesses singing, mask dance, and rejoicing with other rituals. The procession in Kathmandu Durbar Square has the living goddess Kumari as the center of attraction as Goddess Kumari appears publicly on this particular day. 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. Indra, the god of rain, is worshipped in this festival primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12710597

3 September 2025

A local worker cleans a chariot built in front of the Gaddhi Baithak in the premises of the Kathmandu Durbar Square as the nation prepares for the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 3, 2025. The fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra, according to the lunar calendar, is the Indra Jatra, which has been followed for a long time. Devraj Indra, the God of rains and good harvest, is worshipped for eight days, starting with the erection of a sacred wooden pole, ''Lingo,'' at the premises of Kathmandu Durbar Square. The fourth day of the marathon worship festival witnesses singing, mask dance, and rejoicing with other rituals. The procession in Kathmandu Durbar Square has the living goddess Kumari as the center of attraction as Goddess Kumari appears publicly on this particular day. 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. Indra, the god of rain, is worshipped in this festival primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12710598

3 September 2025

A local worker cleans a chariot built in front of the Gaddhi Baithak in the premises of the Kathmandu Durbar Square as the nation prepares for the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 3, 2025. The fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra, according to the lunar calendar, is the Indra Jatra, which has been followed for a long time. Devraj Indra, the God of rains and good harvest, is worshipped for eight days, starting with the erection of a sacred wooden pole, ''Lingo,'' at the premises of Kathmandu Durbar Square. The fourth day of the marathon worship festival witnesses singing, mask dance, and rejoicing with other rituals. The procession in Kathmandu Durbar Square has the living goddess Kumari as the center of attraction as Goddess Kumari appears publicly on this particular day. 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. Indra, the god of rain, is worshipped in this festival primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12710599

3 September 2025

A local worker cleans a chariot built in front of the Gaddhi Baithak in the premises of the Kathmandu Durbar Square as the nation prepares for the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 3, 2025. The fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra, according to the lunar calendar, is the Indra Jatra, which has been followed for a long time. Devraj Indra, the God of rains and good harvest, is worshipped for eight days, starting with the erection of a sacred wooden pole, ''Lingo,'' at the premises of Kathmandu Durbar Square. The fourth day of the marathon worship festival witnesses singing, mask dance, and rejoicing with other rituals. The procession in Kathmandu Durbar Square has the living goddess Kumari as the center of attraction as Goddess Kumari appears publicly on this particular day. 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. Indra, the god of rain, is worshipped in this festival primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12710600

3 September 2025

A local worker cleans a chariot built in front of the Gaddhi Baithak in the premises of the Kathmandu Durbar Square as the nation prepares for the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 3, 2025. The fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra, according to the lunar calendar, is the Indra Jatra, which has been followed for a long time. Devraj Indra, the God of rains and good harvest, is worshipped for eight days, starting with the erection of a sacred wooden pole, ''Lingo,'' at the premises of Kathmandu Durbar Square. The fourth day of the marathon worship festival witnesses singing, mask dance, and rejoicing with other rituals. The procession in Kathmandu Durbar Square has the living goddess Kumari as the center of attraction as Goddess Kumari appears publicly on this particular day. 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. Indra, the god of rain, is worshipped in this festival primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12710583

3 September 2025

People walk past the chariots built in front of the Gaddhi Baithak in the premises of the Kathmandu Durbar Square as the nation prepares for the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 3, 2025. The fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra, according to the lunar calendar, is the Indra Jatra, which is followed for a long time. Devraj Indra, the God of rains and good harvest, is worshipped for eight days, starting with the erection of a sacred wooden pole, ''Lingo,'' at the premises of Kathmandu Durbar Square. The fourth day of the marathon worship festival witnesses singing, mask dance, and rejoicing with other rituals. The procession in Kathmandu Durbar Square has the living goddess Kumari as the center of attraction as Goddess Kumari publicly appears on this particular day. 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 bounded. After Lord Indra's mother, Jayanta, comes and discloses his identity, a procession takes place, which continues till now. Indra, the god of rain, is worshipped in this festival primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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