FESTIVAL OF NEPAL|KINGS

A few days later, Basundhara promised to furnish the valley with fog and dew during autumn and winter as moisture for ripening their crops in compensation for her son's release.She further agreed to lead back to heaven the souls of all who had died during the year. As she left the valley, she took all the souls to heaven. the festival, the Living Goddess or "Kumari" is taken out in a procession in a chariot. Three chariots of Kumari, Ganesh and Bhairav are taken round the city for three days. The King also pays homage to the Kumari during this time.The festival's many other interesting dances including the Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Dasha Avatara masked dances, are staged on the plinth of Narayan temple, just opposite the Kumari temple. On the last evening of the festival, the long wooden pole erected on the first day is lowered amid religious ceremonies and animal sacrifices.Meanwhile, when the chariot of Kumari, along with Ganesha and Bhairav s chariots, reaches the front of Kumari House, an ancient tableau is reenacted -- the ten earthly incarnations of Lord Vishnu, known as "Dasha Avatara."The crowd gathered to see the festival.Since then, the festival of Indra Jatra is celebrated every year in Kathmandu.At dusk, on this day, thousands of people, in whose family a death has occurred during the year, proceed in a long march, all carrying burning incense in the name of the deceased, and follow a prescribed route, which is believed to be an ancient road that once ringed the town.Some offer lighted oil wicks in small clay dishes, known as "Pala," to shrines and gods as they proceed, while others chant hymns for those souls who have departed.In the eveing on Basundhara people are group and the watch a Jatra and Celebrate festival.Three chariots of Kumari, Ganesh and Bhairav are taken round the city for three days. The King also pays homage to the Kumari during this time. The festival's many other interesting dances including the Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Dasha Avatara masked dances, are staged on the plinth of Narayan temple, justopposite the Kumari temple.MORE