GANGTOK, Aug 31 - Indra Jatra, which is a major religious festival of the Newar community in the Himalayan regions of Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim, was celebrated today with zeal and fanfare.
The festival is named after Lord Indra, who is regarded as the God of Rain and King of Heaven, according to Hindu mythology. The festival�s prime objective is to seek his blessings in the form of rain.
According to mythology, Lord Indra had descended on earth disguised as a human being to search for a rare flower called �Parijat� for his mother. Unfortunately, he was caught plucking this rare flower and was imprisoned by the people.
In order to free her son, Indra�s mother, i.e., Goddess Dagini, appeared herself. She promised to give clouds to the people in order to make rain in exchange for her son. It was then that the people realised the identity of Lord Indra and released him.
However, the people promised to dedicate this festival in his honour and requested him to bless the people with rain and prosperity every year. It is due to this mythology that people, particularly the older generation, still believe that the clouds/fog/rains are responsible for bountiful harvest.
Further, the Newar community prays to goddess Dagini, the mother of Lord Indra, for a good harvest.
In Sikkim, the festival is celebrated with much fanfare. A significant highlight is a huge procession carrying the portrait of Goddess Kumari followed by other images of gods and goddesses, that is taken along the streets after the various religious rituals. The other highlight includes masked dance performance, display of images of gods and goddesses, tableau etc. People gather in huge numbers to have a glimpse of Goddess Kumari and seek her blessings for a blissful life.
In order to honour the significance of this auspicious day, the Government of Sikkim declared the day as a government holiday in the State since 2013.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang extended his warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Sikkim on the occasion of Indra Jatra.
Chief Minister PS Tamang in his message wished for peace, harmony and joy among the people of Sikkim, besides good health and prosperity to Lord Indra.
Sikkim Governor Ganga Prasad said, �The cultural festival of Indrajatra, associated with our Newari brethren is celebrated i honour of deity Indra, the king of heaven as per Hindu mythology. Indra Jatra is yet another manifestation of our cultural diversity which we are proud to display. It has added another colour to diverse Sikkimese tradition and its capacity to assimilate diversity.