Indra Jatra 2025: Kathmandu’s Largest Festival GuideFollowing the Gai Jatra festival, Indra Jatra takes center stage in Kathmandu, Nepal. This vibrant week-long celebration is the city’s biggest traditional festival, offering travelers a rare chance to witness Nepal’s rich culture, including the Living Goddesses, the Kumari. Below, find a detailed map of Kathmandu Durbar Square festivities and a day-by-day event breakdown for 2025-2028. For tourists visiting Nepal, Indra Jatra is a must-see spectacle—an immersive blend of ancient traditions, colorful processions, and spiritual significance unique to Kathmandu Valley.  What Is Indra Jatra? A Cultural OverviewKnown as Yanya Punhi in Newari (meaning “Kathmandu festival”), Indra Jatra—also called Kumari Jatra or Yen Yaa—combines multiple celebrations into one grand event. Rooted in the traditions of the Newari people, the original settlers of Kathmandu Valley, it honors Indra, the Hindu god of rain and heaven, and Bhairab, a fierce form of Shiva believed to vanquish evil.  This festival is a dazzling mix of mythology, music, and street processions, making it a highlight for anyone exploring Nepal’s cultural heritage.  What Happens During Indra Jatra 2025?Spanning eight days, Indra Jatra builds to its peak on the penultimate day, widely recognized as the main “Indra Jatra” event. Here’s what to expect in Kathmandu Durbar Square:  Key Highlights of Indra Jatra Week The main day begins around 1 PM in Kathmandu Durbar Square, with tribal and local musicians setting the tone using cymbals and drums. A 36-foot wooden pole, the Yasingh (Shiva’s Linga), is erected, topped with a flag symbolizing protection from Lord Vishnu. The massive Bhairab statue is unveiled, dispensing alcohol from its mouth—a crowd favorite!  Demons, including the Majipa Lakhey, reenact mythical battles, while the white elephant Tana-kishi charges through the streets seeking Indra. The grand finale features the Kumari chariots, pulled by ropes through throngs of onlookers, with handlers tossing sacred carnations.     How to Experience Indra Jatra in KathmanduHaving attended Indra Jatra myself, here are insider tips to maximize your visit in 2025:
 When Is Indra Jatra 2025-2028?Indra Jatra occurs annually from Bhadra Dwadasi to Ashwin Krishna Chaturdasi, typically the full moon marking summer’s end. Exact dates vary based on the lunar calendar. Indra Jatra Festival Dates
Check local schedules closer to the date, as “Nepali time” may shift events slightly. Daily Indra Jatra Events ScheduleEvents unfold over eight days, with processions winding through Kathmandu’s streets (mapped below). Refer to my Kathmandu Valley Heritage Walks book for precise locations.
Courtesy of Alina Tamrakar for route translations. Indra Jatra Route MapMost action centers on Durbar Square, but the procession follows this route. Expect crowds, though quieter spots offer close-up views. Explore More Nepal FestivalsCurious about other celebrations? See my list of festivals in Nepal. Unlock Nepal with My GuidebooksWant insider tips for Indra Jatra and beyond? My 617-page Nepal guidebook features 984+ photos, temple details, trek guides, and more.
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Beautiful photography. The crowds look intense at this festival. Is it always crowded?
Hi Tony, thanks. Yes, it’s always this crowded!
Stunning photos mate. Such an interesting festival
Yes, it’s quite different
I tried to see Indra Jatra years ago. But it was too crowded by the time I got there. Good to see you information here. Sad to see the big temple gone though.
Yes, sad to see the temples go. Best to get their early!
So glad to have discovered your site, such a wealth of information!!
Thank you!
Great to learn about this awesome festival Dave!! Thanks for the dates too! We should be their next year.
Great to hear you will be here!
It’s very interesting to see people still celebrating like this. I like the 4 time lapsed photos. That temple still looks in ruins and people are climbing on it!
Thanks. It’s good to see how they fill up the temple platforms!
Incredible images. Not sure if I would be brave enough to join in with those crowds. But well done!
Thanks Samantha, it’s not too bad if you get there early
Thanks for publishing this. I was wondering what would happen this year. Looks like there’s no stopping Nepal!
Yes, hard to stop a festival in Nepal!
Just wonderful! Such a culture in Nepal. Though big statues look fierce.
There’s an incredible blend of culture in the Kathmandu Valley.
I really like this. Is it worth going or are the crowds just too much?
Personally speaking, I preferred Gai Jatra. Less crowds, more festive feelings.
Hiya, I’m overnighting in KTM on 26th Sept, is it still on then? Thanks!
That will be day 7.
How neat Dave. Nepal is one of those genuinely special places. I visited in 2013. Month in Kathmandu. Place felt like Bali for its meld of culture and day to day life. People are into ceremonies, rituals and spirituality. I love it. Eye-popping images buddy.