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September 26, 2024 at 11:46PM
September 26, 2024 at 10:45PM
September 25, 2024 at 11:55PM
September 25, 2024 at 11:52PM
London Lakhey is on Setopati
September 25, 2024 at 10:40PM
Yenyaa Diaries
Day 7(8): Nānicā Yā
Nānicā Yā, the last day of Yenyaa (Indra Jatra) falls on the seventh or eighth day after the Yoshin Thanegu (the erection of the ceremonial pole). This final day is marked by the chariot procession through the "Dathu," which refers to the central part of Kathmandu. Dathu not only divides the city into Thane (upper part) and Kvane (lower part) but also represents the heart of Kathmandu, where important cultural and religious events take place.
Kumari does not strictly belong to either Thane or Kvane, and her procession, known as Dathu Yā, takes place on the fourth day (Chaturthi) after the full moon. During this the raths are pulled through the central areas of the city.
At the end Kumari, the human embodiment of the royal goddess Taleju puts tika (a blessing mark) on the forehead of the king. Since Nepal became a federal republic in 2007, the president now receives this blessing to confirm his or her reign, continuing the ancient tradition.
A popular story links the final day of the chariot procession to King Jayaprakash Malla. It is said that the king added this last day at the request of his concubine, Nānicā, who lived in Kilagal and could not witness the larger processions of Kumari through Thane and Kvane. In her honor, the procession was called Nānicā Yā.
Historically, the chariots of the Kumari, Bhairav, and Ganesha were pulled only by men. However, starting in 2012, a new tradition was introduced where, during Nānicā Yā, the chariots are pulled exclusively by women. This change was made to honor the role of women in the community and reflect the inclusive spirit of the festival.
Nānicā Yā is the only procession that passes by all the statues of Indra just before the conclusion of the festival, marking the official end of Indra Jatra.
#Yenyaa
#indrajatra
September 24, 2024 at 11:47PM
Mohan Duwal is with Ojesh Singh.
September 24, 2024 at 10:37PM
September 21, 2024 at 11:41PM
Team Bhairav!!
September 21, 2024 at 11:37PM
YenYaa Diaries
Day 6: Mahakali Pyakhan
Out of the several daboo pyakhans (ritual dances), the Mahakali Pyakhan is one of the most significant performances during Yenyaa (Indra Jatra). This sacred tantric dance involves performers who travel from Bhaktapur to Kathmandu upon invitation from the organizers. The tradition dates back to the Malla period, when the Malla kings, known for their patronage of art and religious festivals, invited these tantric dancers to invoke divine protection for the kingdom.
The central figure of the Mahakali Pyakhan is Mahakali, accompanied by 11 other powerful deities from Newar mythology, including Bhairav, Kumari, Mahalaxmi, Barahi, Ganesh, Singhini, Byanghini, Swet Bhairav, Kaumari, Indrayani, and Brahmayani. Together, these deities symbolize a harmonious balance of male and female energies, cosmic power, and the maintenance of order in the universe.
In modern times, the Mahakali dance has expanded to include various other performances such as Khyak, Singh Khwa, Dhunkhwa, and Singha dances, adding to the ritualistic richness. [Here, I share the video of one of those Mahakali Pyakhan where other characters add humour and entertainment too. We thank Bishnu Prasad Prajapati for all his hardwork]
Mahakali, the fierce form of goddess Durga, represents the destruction of evil forces and the protection of the universe. The dancers reenact mythological battles between good and evil, and their dramatic movements and elaborate costumes invoke divine protection and blessings for the city.
This sacred performance also highlights the balance between destruction and protection, ensuring that both blessings and security are bestowed upon Kathmandu during Yenyaa (Indra Jatra).
#Mahakali
#Yenyaa
#Indrajatra
September 21, 2024 at 11:32PM
YenYaa Diaries
Day 6: Mahakali Pyakhan
Out of the several daboo pyakhans (ritual dances), the Mahakali Pyakhan is one of the most significant performances during Yenyaa (Indra Jatra). This sacred tantric dance involves performers who travel from Bhaktapur to Kathmandu upon invitation from the organizers. The tradition dates back to the Malla period, when the Malla kings, known for their patronage of art and religious festivals, invited these tantric dancers to invoke divine protection for the kingdom.
The central figure of the Mahakali Pyakhan is Mahakali, accompanied by 11 other powerful deities from Newar mythology, including Bhairav, Kumari, Mahalaxmi, Barahi, Ganesh, Singhini, Byanghini, Swet Bhairav, Kaumari, Indrayani, and Brahmayani. Together, these deities symbolize a harmonious balance of male and female energies, cosmic power, and the maintenance of order in the universe.
In modern times, the Mahakali dance has expanded to include various other performances such as Khyak, Singh Khwa, Dhunkhwa, and Singha dances, adding to the ritualistic richness. Here, I share the video of one of those Mahakali Pyakhan where other characters add humour and entertainment too.
Mahakali, the fierce form of goddess Durga, represents the destruction of evil forces and the protection of the universe. The dancers reenact mythological battles between good and evil, and their dramatic movements and elaborate costumes invoke divine protection and blessings for the city.
This sacred performance also highlights the balance between destruction and protection, ensuring that both blessings and security are bestowed upon Kathmandu during Yenyaa (Indra Jatra).
#Mahakali
#Yenyaa
#Indrajatra
September 21, 2024 at 10:30PM
September 20, 2024 at 11:28PM
September 20, 2024 at 10:26PM
YenYaa Diaries
Day 5: Sawa Bhakku and Dhin Naale Sin Taan
Sawa Bhakku is a newah name for Halchowk Aakash Bhairav. I have always been intrigued by this performance during YenYaa but today I had a chance to speak to one of the locals and following is what I discovered.
Sawa Bhakku is a key performer during Yenyaa (Indra Jatra). Sawa Bhakku refers to both the deity and the masked dancer. The dance emphasises the fierce, protective nature of Bhairav, who safeguards Kathmandu and its people from evil.
The Sawa Bhakku dance is accompanied by two other dancers, Sri Chandi and Shri Kumari, also collectively called ‘Jhin Naale Sintaan’, who represent other significant deities. Sri Chandi is a form of the goddess Durga, embodying feminine power, strength, and the destruction of evil. Her presence alongside Sawa Bhakku symbolizes the harmonious balance of male and female energies in the cosmic battle against negativity. Shri Kumari, representing the living goddess Kumari, symbolizes purity, prosperity, and divine grace, balancing the fierce, protective nature of Bhairav with calm and nurturing attributes.
Together, these three dancers—Sawa Bhakku, Sri Chandi, and Shri Kumari—form a divine triad that plays a crucial role in the Yenyaa (Indra Jatra), symbolizing protection, destruction of evil, and the maintenance of cosmic order.
I share the video from their performance at Basantapur Durwar Square during Kumari Yaa!
#Yenyaa
#indrajatra
#HalchwokAakashBhairav
September 19, 2024 at 11:23PM
Mohan Duwal is with Yashu Rajkarnikar and Ojesh Singh.
September 19, 2024 at 10:24PM
Yenya Dairies
Day 4: Pulun Kisi
Pulun Kisi (also known as Pulukisi) is an important character in the YenYaa, representing the mythical white elephant Airavata, Indra's ride. According to legend, Indra was captured by the local Jyapu community while attempting to steal a special flower from a Jyapu’s garden. His loyal elephant, Pulun Kisi, then searches madly around the city for its missing master, symbolizing the chaos and urgency of the search.
During YenYaa (Indra Jatra), Pulun Kisi is brought to life through a large effigy carried by performers hidden beneath it. The elephant effigy moves frantically through the streets of Kathmandu, with playful and energetic dances, mimicking the desperate search for Indra. This lively and chaotic procession is one of the festival’s most beloved highlights, adding humor and excitement while symbolizing the divine connection between Indra and the people of the city.
September 19, 2024 at 10:21PM
YenYaa Diaries
Day 4: Thane Yā:
The fourth day of Yen Yā (Indra Jatra) is known as Thane Yā. On this day, the three living deities—Ganesha, Bhairava, and Kumari—are paraded through the northern part of old Kathmandu in their respective chariots. The procession begins from Basantapur Durbar Square, passing through Pyaphal, Yatkha, and Nardevi, reaching Tengal, and then they continue towards Ason—and on to Hanumandhoka, returning to Layakuli, completing the procession. Leading the way for the deities are the lively performances of Lakhe, Pulun Kisi and Sawa Bhaku.
It is believed, historically, Thane Yā marked the final day of the four-day-long Indra Jatra, before the festival was extended to eight days following the conquest of Nepal by King Prithvi Narayan Shah. According to legend, on the fourth day of Indra Jatra, Prithvi Narayan Shah succeeded in overthrowing the last Malla King, Jaya Prakash Malla. However, the people did not immediately recognize him as their legitimate ruler, nor did they allow him to receive the customary blessing from the Living Goddess Kumari, a crucial ritual for any new king. After four days of negotiations, Prithvi Narayan Shah finally received the tika from Kumari, solidifying his position as king (Reference to be updated).
For me, the reason behind the ritual of pulling these chariots has been a subject of curiosity. One practical explanation, shared by architecture students, suggests that maintaining the paths for the chariots helps preserve the traditional roadways, preventing people from building houses along the route and obstructing the festival procession.
However, a more meaningful interpretation points to the chariots symbolizing the deities’ journey to visit those worshippers—such as children, the elderly, or the ill—who are unable to visit the temples. Additionally, in earlier times, certain castes were prohibited from entering temples, thus preventing them from receiving darshan (a sacred viewing) of the deities. The deities being carried through the city in their chariots ensures that everyone, regardless of circumstance, has the opportunity to receive blessings. This inclusive nature of Rath Yā adds to the festival’s significance, making it a unifying event for the entire community.
Some videos here.
#thaneYaa
#Yenyaa
#indrajatra
September 18, 2024 at 10:21PM
YenYaa Dairies
Day 3: Kvane Yā (Kumāri Yātrā)
The Kvane Yā, or Kumāri Yātrā, is one of the most anticipated events during the Yenyaa (Indra Jatra) festival in Kathmandu. Held on the third day of the festival, which falls on the fourteenth day of the bright half of Bhadra (August-September), the Living Goddess Kumāri, the embodiment of the goddess Taleju, is paraded through the city on a three-tiered, beautifully decorated chariot(Slusser, 1982)
Accompanying the Kumāri are other gods Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and Bhairava, the fierce protector. They precede her on their own one-tiered chariots. Together, this divine triad moves through the city to offer blessings of protection, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles (Baltutis, 2008).
Ganesha and Bhairava, who are also part of the Gana, a group of eight or nine mother goddesses (Matrikas) worshipped across the valley, underscore the protective aspect of this grand procession (Shneiderman, 2015)
The procession begins at Basantapur Durbar Square, the heart of Kathmandu’s cultural and religious life, and winds through historic streets, passing through Jaisidewal, Lagan, and eventually returns to Durbar Square, where it concludes. At each stop, devotees gather to catch a glimpse of the goddess and receive her blessings.
I share some of the videos of Kvane Yā, or Kumāri Yātrā here.
#Yenyaa #Indrajatra
September 18, 2024 at 10:13PM
September 17, 2024 at 11:15PM
Team Kumari!
September 17, 2024 at 11:08PM
Yenyaa Dairies
Day 2: Haathu Haayekigu
From the second day of Indra Jatra, the face of Swet Bhairav is unveiled at Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu Durbar Square and Hathu Haayekigu ritual starts.
Hathu Haaykigu is a sacred ritual that involves offering alcohol, such as aila (distilled rice liquor) and thwon (rice beer), through a pipe from the mouth of the deities Akash Bhairav or Swet Bhairav. These fierce forms of Shiva are revered as symbols of protection, strength, and the destruction of evil. Swet Bhairav, whose face is only revealed at Hanuman Dhoka during the Indra Jatra festival, holds particular importance in this tradition (Slusser, 1982). The alcohol flowing from the deity’s mouth is offered to devotees, who consider it a sacred blessing (Baltutis, 2008)
Both thwon and aila are believed to carry divine energy, bestowing protection and prosperity upon those who consume them. This act signifies a direct connection between the divine and human realms, as the deity benevolently shares his power with the community (Shneiderman, 2015).
Hathu Haaykigu reflects Kathmandu’s syncretic religious traditions, seamlessly blending elements of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. It fosters a sense of communal harmony, as people from all backgrounds gather in this sacred ritual, reinforcing the cultural identity and continuity of the Newar community (Baltutis, 2008).
This ritual continues throughout the festival. Each day, devotees gather to receive aila and thwonoffered through the deity’s mouth, making this ritual a central and deeply revered part of the festival's spiritual experience.
September 17, 2024 at 11:04PM
Upaku Wonigu:
On the first evening of the indrajatra, one’s family member who have died during the previous year is explicitly remembered, when citizens of Kathmandu observe upaku wonigu ‘walking the boundaries’ of the old city. In the procession of thousands of people walk through the city’s streets, walking the parameter of the old city in the clockwise direction, visiting the set of well decorated goddess shrines, often with local Jyapu drummers playing near their entrances and with large pile of samaybaji prominently displayed. Most participants carry lit incense, and many of the attending females place hundreds of clay lamps ( Mata: ) along the side of the path, marking their progress (Cf Gutschow; 1982).
#YanYaa #Indrajatra
September 17, 2024 at 10:58PM
Ojesh Singh is with Sudan Munikar and Sanjay Adhikari.
Yenyaa Diaries
Day 1 - Upaku Wonigu
On the first evening of the Yenyaa (Indrajatra), one’s family member who have died during the previous year is explicitly remembered, when citizens of Kathmandu observe upaku wonigu ‘walking the boundaries’ of the old city. In the procession of thousands of people walk through the city’s streets, walking the parameter of the old city in the clockwise direction, visiting the set of well decorated goddess shrines, often with local Jyapu drummers playing near their entrances and with large pile of samaybaji prominently displayed. Most participants carry lit incense, and many of the attending females place hundreds of clay lamps ( Mata: ) along the side of the path, marking their progress (Cf Gutschow; 1982).
#YanYaa #Indrajatra
September 17, 2024 at 9:55PM
Indra Jatra Diaries
Day 1 - Yosin Thanigu:
The much awaited festival of Nepal Mandala, Yenya( Indra Jatra), has finally started with raising of Yosin (Yosin Thanigu). A sacrificial pole from the Nala Forest, east of Bhaktapur is freshly acquired every year with the eight-day ritual of selecting, cutting the tree and its transmission into Kathmandu. From the eight day of the Saait the 50-60-foot-long pole is erected at Kathmandu’s Durwar Square at an auspicious moment in the morning of the twelfth day of the bright half of Bhadra. (Van Den Hoek: 2014). While the erection of this pole indicates the official of Indra Jatra, Michael Baltutis: 2008 describes this as conveying larger cosmological themes of the relationship between the devine and earthly realms as well as the maintenance of cosmic order through such rituals.
The South Asian festival of Indra, first mentioned in the Sanskrit epic Mahabharata some 2000 years ago as indradhwojarahan; Indra’s banner was created by indra with the help of Vishnu during the churning of the primeval ocean of milk to defend the gods from attack of asura. Raised on the ceremonial chariot of India the banner frightened the demons and gave victory to the god. (Toffin 1992) The relation between the Indradhwajarahan and yasim thanigu is yet to be defined clearly.
#yenyaa
#indrajatra
#nepalifestival
#kathmandu
September 15, 2024 at 11:53PM
Many congratulations to all the Newah of the UK!
Amazing achievement for our president Sushil Prajapati and the entire team for yer another beautiful and successful event! Many many congratulations to all the team.
September 15, 2024 at 10:53PM
September 15, 2024 at 9:52PM
September 14, 2024 at 9:51PM
Ta: Newah Muna
The historic day is today! We are ready, are you?
PASA PUCHAH GUTHI, UK - (London)
Pasa Puchah Guthi, UK
Pasa Pucha Guthi UK, Aldershot
Pasa Puchah Guthi UK, Reading
Pasa Puchah Guthi UK, South East London Chapter
Pasa Phucha Reading
September 11, 2024 at 9:47PM
Asmita Mali Manandhar gives a glowing introduction.
September 10, 2024 at 11:45PM
Thank you, Asmita, for your honest review and the positive inspiration from the very beginning. The idea would have died a silent death had it not been for your encouragement.
I’m grateful I can trust you so easily with all the plans I have in mind.
Once again, thank you for believing in my work and helping me bring it to life!
London Lakhey is super grateful!