Vijaya Dashain

Dashain, the longest and the most auspicious Hindu festival in the Nepali calendar, celebrated by the Nepalis of all caste and creed is being observed throughout the country on Tuesday.
The 15 days of celebration occurs during the bright lunar fortnight ending on the day of the full moon.

Dashain is celebrated with great rejoice, and Durga is worshiped throughout the country as the divine mother goddess.

Dashain commemorates a great victory of the gods over the demons.

The first nine days signify the nine days of ferocious battle between Goddess Durga and Mahisasur. The 10th day is the day when Mahisasur was slain and the last five days symbolise the celebration of the victory with the blessing of the goddess.

The first day of Dashain is called Ghatasthapana, which literally means “setting up the pot”. On this day the kalash--holy water vessel--symbolising goddess Durga often with her image embossed on the side is placed in the prayer room.

The Ghatasthapana ritual is performed at a certain auspicious moment determined by the astrologers. At that particular moment the priest intones a welcome, requesting goddess Durga to bless the vessel with her presence.

Indra Jatra on Sept 14, 2008

Indra Jatra is a festival celebrated by Hindu in Nepal. The festival is named after Lord Indra who is known as the god of rain and also as the king of heaven.The festival of Indra Jatra continues for eight days with much rejoicing, singing, dancing and feasting. People from all over Nepal, mostly those who live within the Kathmandu Valley, gather at the Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu. The first day of the festival is viewed by a large number of people. On that day, a long wooden pole is erected in front of the ancient Royal Palace at Hanuman Dhoka, in order to propitiate Lord Indra, the"god of rain". Classical dancers also assemble at the spot, wearing different kinds of traditional masks and costumes and dancing around the courtyard of Hanuman Dhoka to celebrate Indra's visit.
Photograph of Bhairab Taken today (Indra Jatra) in front of Indra Chowk Temple.