KMC organising competition to document Indra Jatra

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Sept. 3: For the first time, Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has launched a video documentary challenge for youths to document Indra Jatra.

To create an integrated programme to promote the festival, various events are being organised this year with agencies and partners, including Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Kirtipur Municipality, Bhaktapur Municipality, Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Art Council, Hotel Association Nepal, UNESCO Creative Cities Network, and Kathmandu City of Film.  

Nabin Manandhar, Spokesperson of KMC, announced that during Indra Jatra, there will be video documentary challenges.  

These challenges will cover preparations for the festival, religious, cultural, and social aspects, as well as the living and intangible heritage of monasteries, temples, chaityas, bahals, chowks, and settlements. They will also feature dances based on classical and tantric styles, knowledge, and dramas.  

The challenges are divided into three categories: The first category focuses on this year's visuals, with content based on the festival's events. The second compares this year's visuals with those of the past. Participants aged 16 to 40 years can compete in this category. 

The third category is open to the general public and asks for 15 to 20-second videos. 

Winners in each category will receive cash prizes of Rs. 100,000, Rs. 50, 000, and Rs. 25, 000, respectively, along with certificates as consolation prizes.

Additionally, the heritage walk titled ‘Journey of the Jatra in Kathmandu Metropolis’ will be held on September 5. A live exhibition called Made in Kathmandu, showcasing the art of making clay items, and a photo exhibition of local products created by women trained and supported by KMC, will take place on September 8, 9, and 10. 

A local food festival, the Newa Food Fair, will also be organised. The metropolis invites everyone to witness the Indra Jatra, which features a chariot procession of Shree Kumari, Shree Ganesh, and Shree Bhairav, as it is a festival of religious significance and tourism appeal, with efforts to promote it nationally and internationally.