Indra Jatra

In September as the end of the monsoon nears and farmers look forward to rich harvests, the people of the Kathmandu Valley pay their respects to Indra (King of Heaven and controller of rains). However, there is more to the event than this. In folklore, it is said that many centuries ago, Indra's mother needed specially scented flowers but could not find them in heaven's gardens. Indra discovered parijat flowers in the Kathmandu Valley and tried to steal them for his mother but was caught and imprisoned by the Valley people.

When Indra's mother came searching for him, the people were apalled by what they'd done and to atone for their deeds, they dedicated one of the most colourful festivals in Nepal to Indra to appease his anger. So each year, Indra is not simply thanked for his blessings of rain but an eight day celebration - fit to "flatter the King of Heaven" - is begun by hoisting Indra's flag in Kathmandu's Durbar Square. Kumari (the living goddess) is taken by chariot to witness the proceedings as masks and statues representing Vishnu, Bhairab and Shiva are shown to the crowds.