Indra Jatra begins (Photo feature)

KATHMANDU: Indra Jatra, one the biggest festivals of the Kathmandu Valley dedicated to Indra, God of rain, formally began with the erection of a sacred wooden pole (lingo) at Hanumandhoka in Basantapur Durbar Square on Tuesday.

The lingo was erected at the auspicious time of 10:37 am.

During the festival, which is celebrated for eight days in the Kathmandu Valley, Lakhe dances are performed on the streets of Kathmandu.

The lingo brought from Sallaghari, Bhaktapur was installed on the chariot with the help of Nepal army personnel.

Indra Jatra festival falls on the fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra as per the lunar calendar.

Indra Jatra festival is observed to celebrate the victory of the gods over the demons to release Jayanta, the son of Lord Indra.