This Saturday, I found the crowd of spectators to be another interesting parts of Indra Jatra. They had so much energy, which was contagious.
By the beginning of the afternoon, people began to stake out a spot and watch expectantly for the living goddess Kumari to appear. It was a very hot sunny day, so many people came prepared with umbrellas.
By about 3pm in the afternoon Basantapur was completely packed with people.
There was also a white elephant with people inside it, which ran through the crowd, creating chaos. I don't think the people inside could actually see where they were going...but if you saw the elephant coming towards you, it was better to get out of the away!
There was so much excitement from the moment the Kumari was placed in her chariot and tons of people leaned out windows attempting to glimpse of her. (Not surprisingly, the kids were super cute).
While I was being pushed down the crowded streets with the chariot being pulled behind me, I couldn't help but snap some quick photos of people watching from the buildings around us and their great expressions.
The square remained packed until late in the evening...
When dancers appeared, a quick circle would form around them to watch.
By the beginning of the afternoon, people began to stake out a spot and watch expectantly for the living goddess Kumari to appear. It was a very hot sunny day, so many people came prepared with umbrellas.
There was also a white elephant with people inside it, which ran through the crowd, creating chaos. I don't think the people inside could actually see where they were going...but if you saw the elephant coming towards you, it was better to get out of the away!
While I was being pushed down the crowded streets with the chariot being pulled behind me, I couldn't help but snap some quick photos of people watching from the buildings around us and their great expressions.
When dancers appeared, a quick circle would form around them to watch.
At some parts of the day, it was far too crowded (with too much pushing) for me to actually photograph the people around me. Especially when beer came out of the mouth of one god; so many young men frantically shoved forward to get a taste. A fish is placed inside the beer and it's supposed to be extremely lucky if you are the person to drink it. While I didn't get any good photos of that scene, I'll finish this post by sharing a photo of the temple that had beer flowing from it.
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