Indra Jatra 2018

The Newari word Majipa is derived from Sanskrit "Manjupattan" "Manjusri city". Lākhe is the term used to denote carnivorous demons. Majipa Lakhey literally means the "carnivorous demon of Majipa".
During the Indra Jatra festival in Nepal, the Majipa Lakhey dance is conducted by the Ranjitkars of Kathmandu. Unlike in other traditional dances, the dancers are not trained in this dance. The Ranjitkars may have inherited this dance in their genes.
The costume of Lakhey consists of a mask with hair and costumes attached to it. Together, these costumes and the mask can weigh up to 50 kilograms (110 lb). Before donning the mask, 24 metres (79 ft) of clothing has to be worn. With all these additional weights, the Lakhey dance must still be performed easily and gracefully.

 A devotee washes the idol of Deity Swet Bhairab on the first day of the eight-day long Indra Jatra festival in Hanumandhoka, Kathmandu, on Friday, September 21, 2018.

 Devotees erect the Indradhoj Linga, a ceremonial pole commencing the first day of the eight-day long Indrajatra festival, celebrated to honor Indra, the King of Heaven and Lord of Rains in Hanumandhoka, Kathmandu, on Friday, September 21, 2018

Basantapur durbar square# Indrajatra festival# Nepal#