[2][3] Indra Jatra was started by King Gunakamadeva- (गुणकामदेव) to commemorate the founding of the Kathmandu city in the 10th century.

The pole, a tree shorn of its branches and stripped of its bark, is obtained from a forest near Nālā, a small town 29 km to the east of Kathmandu.

Another event on the first day is Upāku Wanegu (उपाकु वनेगु) when participants visit shrines holding lighted incense to honor deceased family members.

The procession of the goddess Dāgin (दागिं) (alternative name: Dāgim) re-enacts Indra mother's going around town in search of her son.

The procession begins from an alley at the south-western corner of Maru square and passes by the western side of Kasthamandap.

The participants follow the festival route north to Asan and then back to Durbar Square.

[8] Bau Mata (बौँ मत) consists of a long representation of a holy snake made of reeds on which a row of oil lamps are placed.

A pipe sticking out of the mouth of Sweta Bhairava dispenses alcohol and rice beer on different days.

Images of Indraraj Dyah with his outstretched hands bound with rope are exhibited on a tall platform at Maru near Durbar Square and at Indra Chok, Kathmandu.

A tableau is known as Dasavatar or the 10 incarnations of Vishnu is shown on the temple steps in front of Kumari House every night.

The Sawa Bhakku dance group from Halchok, at the western edge of the Kathmandu Valley, makes its rounds along the festival route, stopping at major street squares to perform and receive offerings from devotees.

Dancers wearing masks of various gods & goddesses and the name of them Bhairav, Kumari, Chandi, Daitya, Kawan, Beta, & Khya.

Khyāh Pyākhan (ख्याः प्याखं) features dancers dressed in a costume representing the Khyah, a fat, hairy ape-like creature.

Indra is renowned for his role in ensuring the welfare and prosperity of humanity by regulating rainfall and fostering abundant harvests.

[1] According to legend, Indra (Hindu god-king of heaven), disguised as a farmer, descended to earth in search of parijat ' swã (Night jasmine), a white flower his mother Basundhara needed to perform a ritual.

As he was plucking the flowers at Maruhiti, a sunken water spout at Maru, the people caught and bound him like a common thief.

(In a reenactment of this event, an image of Indra with his hands bound is put on display at Maru and other places during the festival.)

Out of appreciation for his release, his mother promised to provide enough dew throughout the winter to ensure a rich crop.

Performances depicting social themes, satire and comedy are held on dance platforms or makeshift stages at market squares all over the Kathmandu Valley on the sidelines of the sacred festival.