In the local language, Ye means "Kathmandu" and Ya means "celebration", meaning" celebration inside Kathmandu".  In these 8 days’ different functions and processions are carried out in core Kathmandu. 

According to legend, King of Heaven Indra, disguised as a farmer, came to Kathmandu wrapped in a disguising cloud to collect Parijat (Nightjasmine) for his mother Basundhara to perform a ritual. But unfortunately, he got caught in the process. Later locals tied him up in the town Square. At the same time ‘PuluKisi’/ Tānā Kisi his Divine elephant went around the ancient city of Kathmandu in search of his master.  Anxious and worried about her son Indra’s disappearance whom she had sent to get Parijat for ritual. She descended to Kathmandu in search of a son.  Quickly, she let everyone know about her son, the white elephant, and herself. With embarrassment and rejoice to celebrate the distinguished guest king and locals of Kathmandu celebrated with songs, dances, feasts, and processions. From that time every year, Kathmandu celebrates Indra Jatra.

This Eight days long festival is celebrated to fanfare, with a chariot procession of the living goddess Kumari, Ganesh, and Bairav, the masked dance of deities and demons, displaying sacred images and representations in honour of the god Indra, king of heaven. It is believed that from then gentle morning mist would blanket the Kathmandu Valley during the autumn and winter months to ripen the harvest.  With such blessing and protection, Kathmandu had thrived. In these 8 days’ different functions and processions are carried out throughout the day. For more, make time to explore Kathmandu in a festive mood. This festival is celebrated after the monsoon is the right time to join the festive spirit in Kathmandu.