Indra Jatra Comes Alive Through the Lens: Special Photo Exhibition Opens at Basantapur
Kathmandu — A special photo exhibition highlighting the cultural vibrance of Indra Jatra has opened at Basantapur, organized by the National Forum of Photo Journalists, Nepal (NFPJ). The exhibition is being held under the banner of the Made in Kathmandu Festival and forms a key part of the Nepal Art and Culture Festival 2025. It will run from September 5 to 27 across the Kathmandu Valley.
The Nepal Art and Culture Festival is a three-week celebration showcasing Nepal’s rich heritage of art, culture, cuisine, and traditions. The festival is simultaneously taking place in the historic cities of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kirtipur, and Handigaun.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Kathmandu Metropolitan City Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol, who emphasized that such events play an important role in promoting Nepal’s cultural heritage on the global stage. “Indra Jatra is one of our most unique and historic festivals. Every activity associated with it reflects our living heritage. Exhibitions like these help introduce our culture to the world,” she said.
NFPJ acting president Sagar Shrestha expressed hope that the exhibition would help visitors gain deeper insight into Kathmandu’s living heritage and traditions. Exhibition coordinator and NFPJ vice-president Sunil Sharma added that the initiative aims to document Kathmandu’s cultural vibrancy from the perspective of photojournalists. “Indra Jatra is not just a festival, it is Kathmandu’s identity. Through this exhibition, we aim to highlight its essence as a living portrait of our culture,” Sharma noted.
The three-day exhibition at Basantapur, running from September 8 to 10, features photographs capturing the festive spirit, religious rituals, and social gatherings of Indra Jatra. From the electrifying Lakhe dance to music echoing through narrow alleys and the jubilant crowds in Dabali, the exhibition brings together iconic moments of the festival. Its open daily from 11 AM to 5 PM, the exhibition is free for the public.
The broader Made in Kathmandu initiative, supported by Kathmandu Metropolitan City, also promotes locally produced goods under the “One Ward, One Model Enterprise Program.” By encouraging small-scale enterprises and establishing “Koseli Ghars” (gift houses) for marketing, the program seeks to empower women, enhance incomes, and gradually reduce dependence on imported goods.
