"Buddhist procession"

#12723517

6 September 2025

A Hindu demon deity, Lakhe, performs a ritualistic dance during the Indra Jatra procession in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 6, 2025. The ascension of three living deities--the Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairab in the form of humans on three different chariots that tour around the city--is an annual festival observed for eight days starting from Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi of the Nepali month of Bhadra. The fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra, according to the lunar calendar, is 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 to this day. Indra, the god of rain, is worshiped in this festival primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12723521

6 September 2025

The Nepali Living Goddess, the Kumari, walks toward the chariot at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square to take part in the procession of Indra Jatra in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 6, 2025. The ascension of three living deities--the Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairab--in the form of humans on three different chariots that tour around the city is an annual festival observed for eight days starting from Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi of the Nepali month of Bhadra. The fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra, according to the lunar calendar, is 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 until now. Indra, the god of rain, is worshiped in this festival primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12723522

6 September 2025

The Nepali Living Goddess, the Kumari, dons regalia and a crown and makes a rare public appearance at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square during the Indra Jatra procession in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 6, 2025. The ascension of three living deities--the Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairab--in the form of humans on three different chariots that tour the city is an annual festival observed for eight days, starting from Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi of the Nepali month of Bhadra. The fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra, according to the lunar calendar, is Indra Jatra, which has been 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 to this day. Indra, the god of rain, is worshiped in this festival, primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12723523

6 September 2025

The Nepali Living Goddess, the Kumari, dons regalia and a crown and makes a rare public appearance at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square during the Indra Jatra procession in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 6, 2025. The ascension of three living deities--the Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairab--in the form of humans on three different chariots that tour the city is an annual festival observed for eight days, starting from Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi of the Nepali month of Bhadra. The fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra, according to the lunar calendar, is Indra Jatra, which has been 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 to this day. Indra, the god of rain, is worshiped in this festival, primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12723524

6 September 2025

The Nepali Living Goddess, the Kumari, dons regalia and a crown and makes a rare public appearance at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square during the Indra Jatra procession in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 6, 2025. The ascension of three living deities--the Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairab--in the form of humans on three different chariots that tour the city is an annual festival observed for eight days, starting from Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi of the Nepali month of Bhadra. The fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra, according to the lunar calendar, is Indra Jatra, which has been 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 to this day. Indra, the god of rain, is worshiped in this festival, primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12723525

6 September 2025

The Nepali Living Goddess, the Kumari, dons regalia and a crown and gestures as she makes a rare public appearance at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square during the Indra Jatra procession in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 6, 2025. The ascension of three living deities--the Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairab--in the form of humans on three different chariots that tour the city is an annual festival observed for eight days starting from Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi of the Nepali month of Bhadra. The fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra, according to the lunar calendar, is Indra Jatra, which has been 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 to this day. Indra, the god of rain, is worshiped in this festival primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12723526

6 September 2025

The Nepali Living Goddess, the Kumari, dons regalia and a crown and gestures as she makes a rare public appearance at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square during the Indra Jatra procession in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 6, 2025. The ascension of three living deities--the Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairab--in the form of humans on three different chariots that tour the city is an annual festival observed for eight days starting from Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi of the Nepali month of Bhadra. The fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra, according to the lunar calendar, is Indra Jatra, which has been 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 to this day. Indra, the god of rain, is worshiped in this festival primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12723527

6 September 2025

State and government heads of Nepal observe the Indra Jatra celebration with the rollout of the chariot hoisting three living goddesses and gods in the premises of Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 6, 2025. The ascension of three living deities--the Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairab in the form of humans on three different chariots that tour around the city--is an annual festival observed for eight days starting from Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi of the Nepali month of Bhadra. 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. Indra, the god of rain, is worshiped in this festival primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12723498

6 September 2025

Nepali security forces prepare to give a guard of honor during the Indra Jatra celebration in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 6, 2025. The ascension of three living deities--the Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairab--in the form of humans on three different chariots that tour around the city is an annual festival observed for eight days starting from Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi of the Nepali month of Bhadra. 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. Indra, the god of rain, is worshiped in this festival primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12723503

6 September 2025

''Pulukisi,'' the mythical elephant of Hindu Lord Indra, god of rain, parades through Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 6, during Indra Jatra. The ascension of three living deities--the Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairab--in the form of humans on three different chariots that tour around the city is an annual festival observed for eight days starting from Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi of the Nepali month of Bhadra. The fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra, according to the lunar calendar, is Indra Jatra, which has been 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 to this day. Indra, the god of rain, is worshiped in this festival primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12723504

6 September 2025

''Pulukisi,'' the mythical elephant of Hindu Lord Indra, god of rain, parades through Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 6, during Indra Jatra. The ascension of three living deities--the Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairab--in the form of humans on three different chariots that tour around the city is an annual festival observed for eight days starting from Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi of the Nepali month of Bhadra. The fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra, according to the lunar calendar, is Indra Jatra, which has been 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 to this day. Indra, the god of rain, is worshiped in this festival primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12723510

6 September 2025

Nepali security forces prepare to give a guard of honor during the Indra Jatra celebration in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 6, 2025. The ascension of three living deities--the Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairab--in the form of humans on three different chariots that tour around the city is an annual festival observed for eight days starting from Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi of the Nepali month of Bhadra. 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. Indra, the god of rain, is worshiped in this festival primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12723511

6 September 2025

Nepali security forces prepare to give a guard of honor during the Indra Jatra celebration in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 6, 2025. The ascension of three living deities--the Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairab--in the form of humans on three different chariots that tour around the city is an annual festival observed for eight days starting from Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi of the Nepali month of Bhadra. 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. Indra, the god of rain, is worshiped in this festival primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12723499

6 September 2025

Nepali Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel, Minister of Urban Development Prakash Man Singh, and Minister for Education, Science and Technology attend the Indra Jatra celebration in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 6, 2025. The ascension of three living deities--the Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairab--in the form of humans on three different chariots that tour around the city is an annual festival observed for eight days starting from Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi of the Nepali month of Bhadra. 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. Indra, the god of rain, is worshiped in this festival primarily celebrated by the Newar communities following both Hinduism and Buddhism.

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#12718199

5 September 2025

A Nepali girl dressed as the Living Goddess Kumari poses for a photo in Kathmandu Durbar Square during the Kumari Pooja held in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 5, 2025. Pre-pubescent girls dressed as the living goddess Kumari are worshipped every year right before the main day of Indra Jatra in the courtyard of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is believed to ward off bad luck and diseases. Girls below the age of 12 years, donned in regalia like the living goddess Kumari, perform rituals to please Taleju Bhawani, the Hindu Goddess. Locally called ''Kumari Pooja,'' Newari girls hold rituals annually in front of the Taleju Bhawani Temple, who is known for her earthly incarnations of divine feminine energy manifestations. ''Kanyas,'' or girls taking part in this annual procession, are taken to the Taleju Bhawani Temple for worship, one of the Shaktipith of Nepal, which opens its doors only for a day during Dashain. As a part of the ritual, the participating girls are taken around the temple of Taleju Bhawani, a Hindu deity whose face is not displayed to the public and has remained hidden for centuries. The procession of worshipping the girls undergoes three methods: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Tantrism. It is believed that girls taking part in the procession do not have any health problems.

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#12718200

5 September 2025

A Nepali girl dressed as the Living Goddess Kumari poses for a photo in front of the Swet Bhairab statue in Kathmandu Durbar Square during the Kumari Pooja on September 5, 2025. Pre-pubescent girls dressed as the living goddess Kumari are worshipped every year right before the main day of Indra Jatra in the courtyard of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is believed to ward off bad luck and diseases. Girls below the age of 12 years, donned in regalia like the living goddess Kumari, perform rituals to please Taleju Bhawani, the Hindu Goddess. Locally called ''Kumari Pooja,'' Newari girls hold rituals annually in front of the Taleju Bhawani Temple, known for her earthly incarnations of divine feminine energy and manifestations. ''Kanyas,'' or girls taking part in this annual procession, are taken to the Taleju Bhawani Temple for worship, one of the Shaktipith of Nepal, which opens its doors only for a day during Dashain. As part of the ritual, the participating girls are taken around the temple of Taleju Bhawani, a Hindu deity whose face is not displayed to the public and has remained hidden for centuries. The procession of worshipping the girls undergoes three methods: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Tantrism. It is believed that girls taking part in the procession do not have any health problems.

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