Madhyapur Thimi celebrated the Sindure Jatra with great enthusiasm on Wednesday, featuring a grand procession of 32 palanquins.
The Sindure Jatra is the most famous among the various festivities held in Madhyapur Thimi during the Biska Jatra.
The festival is observed by placing the main deities in decorated palanquins and parading them to the rhythmic beats of Dhime drums while carrying traditional torches.
As the procession reaches every intersection, crossroads, and neighborhood, it is a long-standing tradition for residents to shower vermilion powder (sindur) and flower petals from their windows, balconies, and rooftops to welcome the deities.
The festival earned its name "Sindure Jatra" because locals celebrate by smearing vermilion on one another while parading the deities' palanquins to the sounds of traditional instruments like the Kanya, Bhusya, and Dhime.
The residents of Thimi celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm, parading the goddess Balkumari through various areas. During the procession, participants smear and splash vermilion powder on each other and dance to traditional Newari musical beats.
