Indra: Jailbird and Rainmaker
In the Kathmandu Valley the story is told that Indra , the Vedic "King of Heaven", wanted to buy some flowers for his mother. Unable to find any flowers in heaven, he descended to the valley and stole some, but was caught and imprisoned. When Indra's mother came looking for him the people realized their mistake and were mortified, and so to appease him they commenced an annual festival in his honour. Basically a harvest festival, Indra Jaatra is an occasion to give thanks to the god for bringing the monsoon rains that make the all-important summer rice crop possible. It's usually held in late August or early September, determined by the lunar calendar. Most of the action centres on Kathmandu's Durbar Square, where His Majesty presides over special festivities on the feverish third day. Masked dancers whirl through the streets, temple images go on display, das avatar performances are held at the base of the Trailokya Mohan to commemorate the ten incarnations of Vishnu, rice beer literally flows from the mouth of Sweta Bhairab, and the Kumari and two companions are wheeled around in chariots. There's even a temporary "jail" set up near the Kasthamandap to hold an effigy of Indra.
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