Indra Jatra celebrated with traditional gaiety (Pictures)

Kathmandu, 28 Sept: Indra Jatra, the day that has cultural and political significance in the country, was celebrated with usual pomp and show in the capital today.

The main day of the festival was observed with president Ram Chandra Poudel offering prayers and puja to living goddess Kumari, Bhargav and Ganesh at Gaddi Baithak in Basantapur palace in the presence of dignitaries and a huge crowd of the people.

Kumari along with lord Bhairabg and Ganesh had been brought to the Gaddi Baithak in their respective chariots pulled by the crowds.

Indra Jatra, the centuries old cultural and historic festival is celebrated for eight-days, each year. The tradition is believed to have begun during the reign of King Pratap Malla.

Indra, the God of rains and good harvest, is worshiped with the belief that it prevents famine, epidemic, excessive rains and eradicates enmity among people.

The erection of a lingo (a towering wooden pole)- brought from Bhaktapur- on the chariot at Hanumandhoka, Basantapur Durbar Square on Tuesday marked the beginning of the event today.

A number of ceremonies as part of eight-day festivity consist of Chariot procession along the thoroughfares of the city, Lakhe naach and Pulu Kisi procession among others.

The Jatra, especially celebrated among the Newar communities in the Kathmandu Valley, ends on October 2.