FESTIVAL OF NEPAL|KINGS

On the day 2 of the indra jatra in being like same day . 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.Since then, the festival of Indra Jatra is celebrated every year in Kathmandu. On the first day of this festival, a banner with various inscriptions and painted with permanent colors is elevated on a tall pole about fifty feet high. This takes place in the morning and signifies the commencement of the festival. The sacred flag is known as "Indra Dhoja," or "Yosin," and is hoisted in front of the old palace at Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu as a sign of Indra's victory. This flag signifies that Lord Indra has come to the valley; and, when it flies, peace, prosperity, and unity are assured there. Mythology says that such a flagpole was presented by Lord Vishnu to Indra, which unifies their forces and gave him divine strength to overcome the demons. During this festival, idols of Indra, his hands and feet bound together, are displayed on high scaffolds around the city. The bronze figures of Indra are displayed in two places in the city at Maru and Indrachowk, with outstretched arms bound like a thief's on high platforms supported by long posts. Moreover, the masks of Bhairab, the god of wrath, are displayed throughout the week on a small wooden platform supported by posts and offered wine and "Jaand," a local rice beer, in the evenings. As already mentioned, Indra's mother sent gods to the valley in order to release him; the gods were lodged in different places of the city, mostly on the outskirts. Perhaps that is why people visit these places during the evening of the first day, to pay homage to the gods' lodgings, according to the sources. 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.Thousands of people throng to see the elaborate costumes and realistic, painted masks and hear the beloved stories of Lord Vishnu's marvelous visits to earth, followed by ancient dances, like the "Lakhe Dance," "Sawo Bhaku Dance" and "Elephant Dance" in the city streets, lit by flaming torches.MORE