Indra , was the ancient god of rain, was captured in the Kathmandu valley, while he was picking a certain flower that his mother, the goddess Dagini, had asked of him. Indra was imprisoned until he revealed his identity and his captors released him immediately. In gratitude for the liberation of her son, the goddess Dagini promised all the villagers that from then on she would take care of the irrigation of their crops and that she would take all the recently deceased to heaven. From that day on, the Indra Jatra festival is celebrated.
The Indra Jatra festival focuses on honoring the most recent dead and the two gods. During the first day of the festival, roosters and goats are sacrificed in order to dye the streets red. The festival begins to prepare several days before.
The previous days are dedicated, above all, to cleaning the gold carts that will tour the city. The streets are filled with actors who interpret different fables and legends that allow praising their beloved gods. One of the most anticipated moments is when the cars pass in front of the balcony of the former president’s palace and stop to say hello.
The procession continues from Durbar Square to Hanuman Dhoka when they stop in front of the city’s impressive mask that goes by the name of Seto Bhairab . They greet the mask and then, with a strong musical accompaniment, beer begins to take center stage. If you manage to get a sip of beer, tradition says that you will be very lucky. Although much luckier will be those who drink the fish that are introduced inside.