About Indra Jatra (Yenya)
Indra Jatra, known in Newari as Yenya, is the grandest and most spectacular street festival of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Spanning eight days, it honours Indra, the Hindu god of rain and king of heaven, and gives thanks for the monsoon that has watered the year's harvest. The festival fills the old royal squares with crowds, music and pageantry, blending Hindu and Buddhist traditions in a celebration unique to the Kathmandu Valley.
The festival begins with the raising of a tall ceremonial pole, the lingo, at Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu Durbar Square. Over the following days masked dancers perform — the fearsome red Lakhe, the elephant-like Pulukisi and Bhairav masks that pour rice beer to the crowds — while the chariot of the Living Goddess Kumari is pulled through the streets in the Kumari Jatra, a procession dating to the 18th century and a highlight watched by huge crowds.
Indra Jatra is set on the Bikram Sambat lunar calendar and usually falls in September, so the dates shift a little each year. The countdown above tracks the days until the next festival, anchored on its main chariot-procession day. Add it to your own page to follow the build-up to Kathmandu's most colourful celebration.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Friday, September 25, 2026next |
| 2027 | Tuesday, September 14, 2027 |
FAQ
When is Indra Jatra?
Indra Jatra usually falls in September, on dates set by the Bikram Sambat lunar calendar, so it moves each year. The live countdown above tracks the days to the main festival day.
Why is Indra Jatra celebrated?
It honours Indra, the god of rain, in thanks for the monsoon and harvest, and remembers the dead of the past year. It is also closely tied to the worship of the Living Goddess Kumari.
How is Indra Jatra celebrated?
Kathmandu erupts in eight days of masked Lakhe and Bhairav dances, music and feasting, centred on the chariot procession of the Kumari through the old city and the raising of the lingo pole.
Who is the Kumari at Indra Jatra?
The Kumari is Nepal's Living Goddess, a young girl revered as a divine incarnation. During Indra Jatra she is paraded through Kathmandu on a wooden chariot for the public to receive her blessing.