Kumari Festival Tour September 17 One Day

The Kumari Festival Tour on September 17th provides a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. Hosted in Kathmandu, this one-day experience offers an in-depth exploration of the Newar culture, including witnessing the ceremonial procession of the Living Goddess Kumari. With an English-speaking guide leading the way, participants can expect to encounter a captivating blend of traditional dances, ancient rituals, and the vibrant sights and sounds of Kathmandu’s oldest market. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or seeking a new cultural adventure, this festival tour promises to unveil the enchanting traditions that have captivated visitors for centuries.

Key Points

• One-day immersive experience on September 17 to celebrate Indra Jatra, the end of the monsoon season in Kathmandu.
• 5-hour guided tour starting at Kathmandu Durbar Square, exploring local markets, religious practices, and the ceremonial procession of the Living Goddess Kumari.
• Highlights include the erection of the Yosin or Linga pole, traditional dances like Lakhe, and the display of the Swet Bhairab mask.
• Tour includes an English-speaking guide, all taxes and fees, food and beverages, and tips for a comprehensive cultural experience.
• Free cancellation policy up to 24 hours and a reserve now, pay later option available for this annual festival event.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Festival Overview

The Kumari Festival Tour takes place on September 17, offering a one-day immersive experience for attendees.

Priced at KRc1,049 per person, the tour explores the significance of Indra Jatra, a major festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, marking the end of the monsoon season.

Celebrated in September, this week-long event is dedicated to Indra, the Hindu god of rain, showcasing the rich Newar cultural heritage.

As a highlight, attendees will witness the procession of the Living Goddess Kumari, a revered figure embodying the goddess Taleju, as part of the festival’s celebrations.

Tour Details

The Kumari Festival Tour lasts 5 hours and starts at the Chhaya Center in Kathmandu Durbar Square.

A live English-speaking guide leads the tour, providing insights into the local festivals, culture, and traditions. Attendees will explore Nepali religious practices, including Hinduism and Buddhism, and witness the procession of the Living Goddess Kumari.

The tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

All taxes, VAT, and official expenses are included, and tips for the guide are also provided.

Itinerary Highlights

A key highlight of the Kumari Festival Tour is the visit to the oldest local market in Kathmandu. Here, visitors will learn about local festivals, culture, and traditions, exploring Nepali local practices and religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism.

The tour also offers the opportunity to experience the procession of the Living Goddess Kumari, a prepubescent girl embodying the goddess Taleju. Guests will witness the ceremonial erection of the Yosin or Linga pole, symbolizing the victory of gods over demons, as well as traditional masked dances like the Lakhe dance, performed to honor the gods and ward off evil spirits.

Key Festival Features

One of the key features of the Kumari Festival is the erection of a ceremonial pole, known as the Yosin or Linga, at Basantapur Durbar Square. This symbolic pole represents the victory of the gods over the demons. Another notable aspect is the procession of the Kumari, a prepubescent girl who embodies the goddess Taleju. Plus, traditional masked dances, including the Lakhe dance, are performed to honor the gods and ward off evil spirits. During the festival, a large mask of Swet Bhairab is displayed at Hanuman Dhoka for public prayers and blessings.

Feature	Description
Ceremonial Pole	Yosin or Linga erected at Basantapur Durbar Square, symbolizing victory of gods over demons
Kumari Procession	Procession of a prepubescent girl embodying the goddess Taleju
Masked Dances	Traditional dances like Lakhe dance, performed to honor gods and ward off evil spirits
Swet Bhairab Mask	Large mask displayed at Hanuman Dhoka for public prayers and blessings
Religious Significance	Celebrates the end of the monsoon season and honors Hindu gods

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Inclusions

The Kumari Festival Tour includes an English-speaking tour guide to lead participants throughout the event.

All taxes and VAT are covered, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The tour also includes official expenses, so visitors don’t have to worry about additional costs.

Food and beverages are provided, allowing guests to fully enjoy the festival without the need to seek out sustenance.

Finally, tips for the guide are included, eliminating the need for visitors to carry extra cash.

With these inclusions, the Kumari Festival Tour offers a comprehensive and convenient way to explore this vibrant cultural celebration in Kathmandu.

Getting to the Festival

The Kumari Festival Tour begins at the Chhaya Center in Kathmandu Durbar Square.

From there, the guided tour takes you through the oldest local market in Kathmandu, where you’ll learn about the city’s vibrant festivals, culture, and traditions.

You’ll explore the diverse religious practices of Hinduism and Buddhism, culminating in the procession of the Living Goddess Kumari.

Throughout the tour, your English-speaking guide will provide insights and context, ensuring you have a rich and immersive experience.

Whether you’re interested in Nepal’s history, spirituality, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, the Kumari Festival Tour is the perfect way to discover the heart of Kathmandu.

What to Expect

Visitors on the Kumari Festival Tour can expect an immersive, guided experience that showcases the vibrant cultural heritage of Kathmandu.

The tour highlights include:

1. Exploring the oldest local market in Kathmandu and learning about local festivals, culture, and traditions.

2. Witnessing the procession of the Living Goddess Kumari, a prepubescent girl embodying the goddess Taleju.

3. Observing traditional masked dances, such as the Lakhe dance, performed to honor gods and ward off evil spirits.

4. Seeing the display of the large mask of Swet Bhairab at Hanuman Dhoka, which is only shown during the festival for public prayers and blessings.

Additional Information

Plus, the Kumari Festival Tour takes place annually in September, coinciding with the Indra Jatra festival.

The tour is a 5-hour event starting at the Chhaya Center in Kathmandu Durbar Square. Guests will explore the oldest local market, learn about Nepali festivals, culture, and traditions, and witness the procession of the Living Goddess Kumari.

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, all taxes and fees, and official expenses. Food, beverages, and tips for the guide aren’t included.

Visitors can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and the reserve now, pay later option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour appears suitable for children as it includes exploring local festivals, culture, and traditions. The guided tour in English and free cancellation policy also make it accessible for families. However, the 5-hour duration may be lengthy for some younger children.

Can I Take Photographs During the Festival?

Participants can take photographs during the Indra Jatra festival. Photography is generally permitted, though visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting the cultural ceremonies and rituals. It’s best to ask the tour guide for any specific guidelines.

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements?

There are no strict dress code requirements for the Indra Jatra festival. However, it’s recommended to wear modest, comfortable clothing that covers the shoulders and knees to respect the cultural and religious aspects of the event.

Will There Be Restroom Facilities Available?

The tour itinerary includes access to restroom facilities throughout the event. Participants can expect clean, well-maintained restrooms at various locations along the tour route to accommodate their needs.

Can I Purchase Local Handicrafts at the Festival?

Yes, visitors can purchase local handicrafts during the Indra Jatra festival. The week-long event showcases Newar cultural heritage, including traditional crafts and souvenirs available for purchase throughout the festival venues.

Recap

The Kumari Festival Tour on September 17 offers a captivating one-day experience celebrating Indra Jatra in Kathmandu. Participants will gain insights into Newar culture, witness the ceremonial procession of the Living Goddess Kumari, and explore Kathmandu’s oldest market. With an English-speaking guide and all expenses covered, this tour immerses visitors in Nepal’s vibrant cultural heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: