Indra Jatra myths, Lakhe and Kumari dance at Nepal Academy's 'Katha Dabali'; president attends festival

Nepal Academy (Nepal Pragya-Pratishthan) organized the program 'Indra Jatra: Sharadiya Parva' under 'Katha Dabali-1' on the occasion of Indra Jatra.

Held at the Academy premises on Thursday amid continuous rain, the program attempted to recreate the atmosphere of the Basantapur jatra.

Artists from Bajra Kala Kunja performed the Lakhe dance and Kumari dance to the beats of dhaa baja, jhyali and flute.

During the program, Nepal Bhasa Academy Chancellor Malla K. Sundar narrated the myths and history associated with Indra Jatra, Lakhe and Mayaju-Kumari.

He said the festival is a shared civilization of all religions, communities and ethnic groups.

Deepak Sapkota, chief of the Academy's Poetry, Culture and Digitalization Department, said jatras work to connect communities.

The Academy said 'Katha Dabali' will continue in various cities and villages across the country to preserve indigenous festivals and culture through stories and art.

Meanwhile, the Office of the President has said President Ramchandra Paudel will visit Basantapur at 3 pm today to observe Indra Jatra.

He will walk from the Juddha statue to Hanumandhoka's Gaddi Baithak.

First Lady Sabita Paudel will also accompany him, and Kathmandu Metropolitan City's acting chief Sunita Dangol will welcome the presidential couple.

The president will offer dakshina at the chariots of Shri Ganesh, Shri Bhairav and Shri Kumari to grant permission for the chariot procession.