Indrajatra festival celebrated with zeal & fervor in Sikkim

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Gangtok | September 16, 2019:

The festival of Indrajatra was marked across Sikkim with traditional zeal and fervor by the members of Newar community on Friday.

Sikkim Newar Guthi and and its various branches in four districts of the state marked the festival which honors Lord Indra, the King of Heaven in Hindu legends alongside Ganesha, Bhairab and living Goddess Kumari.

A "Hari Patah"(flag bearing sign of God Vishnu) also used as Indra's flag or Heaven's banner is first erected than chariots bearing these deities are drawn through out cities and town where people worship, dance, sing and give various offerings to the divine.

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This festival was first started by King Gunakamadeva in 10th century to commemorate the founding of Kathmandu city and has since been continued by the Newar community in the Kathmandu valley and across the world.

In Sikkim, SDF government led by Pawan Chamling declared the festival as a state holiday in 2010 and has since been marked in a grand manner in various parts of the state including in capital Gangtok.

Today, capital Gangtok witnessed the jatra starting from Newar Bhawan, Sichey and commencing after a chariot rally through out the surrounding areas.

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Likewise, Dentam also saw enthusiastic Indrajatra celebrations with many SKM leaders including Jacob Khaling and Aditya Golay in attendence.

Governor Ganga Prasad, Chief Minister PS Golay and SDF Supremo Pawan Chamling have all wished the people of Sikkim on the auspicious day.

Indrajatra is the biggest street festival in Kathmandu with carnival like atmosphere engulfing the entire valley. Newars throughout the world trace their origin in the Kathmandu valley hence the festival is celebrated across the world by the community to preserve the rich culture and tradition.