Kathmandu Celebrates Indra Jatra Festival with Grand Processions
The ancient Newari festival drew hundreds of thousands of spectators to witness the chariot procession of Kumari through old Kathmandu.
Kathmandu came alive with the vibrant celebrations of Indra Jatra, one of the most important festivals of the Newar community. The eight-day festival featured the grand chariot procession of the Living Goddess Kumari through the ancient streets of the city's Durbar Square area.
Thousands of devotees and tourists lined the narrow streets to catch a glimpse of the Kumari seated in her ornate chariot, accompanied by chariots of Ganesh and Bhairav. Traditional masked dances depicting various deities were performed at multiple locations throughout the old city.
This year's celebration was notable for the extensive restoration of heritage sites along the procession route, many of which were damaged in the 2015 earthquake. The restored temples and buildings provided a stunning backdrop for the festivities.
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City reported that the festival attracted an estimated 400,000 visitors, including 15,000 international tourists, generating significant revenue for local businesses and cultural organizations.
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