Indra Jatra observed in rainy Basantapur with President in attendance; Indrayani Jatra in Bhaktapur

Despite monsoon rain, the main day of Indra Jatra was celebrated with fanfare in Kathmandu's Basantapur Durbar Square area on Friday. President Ramchandra Paudel walked from the Juddha statue in New Road to reach Hanuman Dhoka's Gaddi Baithak to observe the festival.

As per tradition, the President offered garlands and cash offerings to the chariots of Kumari, Ganesh and Bhairav, granting permission for the chariot procession. Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, acting Prime Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle, Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal and National Assembly Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal were also present.

The mayor and deputy mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, along with guests from various countries, also came to Basantapur to watch the jatra. Prime Minister Balendra Shah did not take part as he is in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly.

Ministers Sobita Gautam, Pratibha Rawal, Sita Wadi, Nisha Mehta and Geeta Chaudhary attended dressed in the Newari haku patasi attire. Minister Rawal had gifted haku patasi to all the women ministers.

Large crowds gathered on Basantapur and the surrounding streets to watch the chariot procession that set out from Kumari Ghar. Lakhe dance, Pulukisi, Devi Pyakhan and cultural tableaux were performed during the jatra.

Meanwhile in Bhaktapur, the deity Indrayani was carried on a palanquin from the Devgriha in Khauma, taken around half the city, and brought to Siddha Pokhari, also known as Indra Daha. A fair traditionally takes place there on Friday night and throughout Saturday, the full moon day.

On Saturday evening, Indrayani will be brought back into the Devgriha with a musical procession, concluding the jatra.