Indra Jatra in Kathamandu

Both Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal observe the festival known as Indra Jatra, a weeklong celebration that combinespaying homage to the Hindu god Indra with the commemoration of an historical event: the day when Prithwi NarayanShah (1730-1775) achieved his goal of unifying Nepal's many separate kingdoms and became the country's first king.

The celebration goes on for eight days, beginning with the erection of a CEREMONI AL POLE in Durbar Square, infront of the Royal Palace at Hanuman Dhoka. On the evening of the festival's opening day, families who have lostsomeone during the year follow the UPAKU ROUTE around the city of Katmandu. Traditional dances are performed inthe square throughout the festival, and it is believed that the spirits of the gods are actually present in the bodies of themasked dancers.

The third day of the festival is the day on which young boys representing the Hindu gods Ganesh and Bhairava arepulled through the streets of Katmandu on chariots, while a twelve-foot-high MASK OF BHAIRAVA , the city'sguardian deity, is put on public display with beer spouting from its mouth. But the highlight of Indra Jatra is theappearance of the living goddess KUMARI , a young girl in the third chariot who is dressed in red robes and sparklingjewels. These chariot processions take place three times during the festival week, and their route is often illuminatedby butter lamps. The king of Nepal himself asks for Kumari's blessing, since it is she who has the power to reasserthis authority over the people of Nepal.