Nepal, Sept. 11 -- Indra Jatra, one of the major festivals of Kathmandu Valley, formally concluded on Thursday after eight days of celebration.

The chariot procession, halted since Monday due to curfew and political unrest, could not be completed this year. Instead, the festival ended after Kumari, Ganesh and Bhairav were ritually worshipped, followed by the ceremonial toppling of the ceremonial pole (lingo) at Basantapur.

Related story Saving Tansen's Ropai Jatra

Traditionally, the festival concludes with women pulling the chariot on the final day: a custom known as Nanichaya in the Newar language. However, that ritual could not take place this year.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Republica....