Image credit: Ronit Kutu
Indra Jatra, a major cultural and religious festivities, honors the god of rain, Indra. It is to show our gratitude for his role in ensuring a successful harvest and ensuring the Valley with welfare and prosperity of people by regulating rainfall and fostering rich crops. It blends religious devotion, cultural celebration, and agricultural significance, making it an important event in Nepal’s culture. Indrajatra is an eight-day festival with a chariot parade dedicated to Goddess Kumari, Lord Ganesh, and Bhairav. Among many events that take place in the Indra Jatra festival, there is the event called Hatha Hyakegu.
The Hatha Hyakegu ritual is a significant part of the Indra Jatra festival. It takes place in Kathmandu’s Hanumandhoka Durbar Square. On the occasion of the Indra Jatra festival Swet Bhairab, a terrifying figure of Lord Bhairab which is hidden behind a wooden curtain throughout the year is shown. This ceremony brings thousands of youngsters and devotees who are eager to taste the sacred nectar or Chaang, which is said to bring good health and wealth.
Image credit: Prakash Manandhar
The main excitement of the festival is the offering of this wine, which is poured through pipes from the Swet Bhairab idol’s mouth. The Chaang is specifically fermented and preserved for this occasion which enhances its significance. During the Hathu Hyakegu, devotees compete for a taste of the heavenly nectar, a symbol of both spiritual and bodily refreshment.
The Hatha Hyakegu event contributes to the rich tradition of Indra Jatra, one of Kathmandu’s largest festivals, which blends religious devotion with spectacular cultural performances. During the ceremonies, Swet Bhairab is unveiled, and sacred Chaang is distributed. The people hold a deep belief in the drink’s divine characteristics which makes it a significant part of their religious rites.
Also read: Celebration of Indra Jatra in Nepal
