Yenya Lakhe Dance Festival

येन्या लाखे नृत्य उत्सव

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Carnival & ParadeKathmandu
Dates25 September–2 October 2026Confirmed listing
Duration8 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forMasks, paradesThe festival combines two distinct but
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: NPR
CategoryCarnival & ParadeFestival type
The story

Yenya Lakhe Dance Festival in Kathmandu

Yenya, known in English as Indra Jatra, is Kathmandu's largest religious street festival, an eight-day celebration featuring masked Lakhe demon dances, chariot processions of the living goddess Kumari, and displays honoring the deity Indra. It follows the lunar Nepal Era calendar each year around September.

Indra Jatra, known in Newar as Yenya Punhi, stands as the biggest religious street festival in Kathmandu, combining two related celebrations: Indra Jatra itself, honoring Indra, the king of heaven, through masked dances of deities and demons and displays of sacred images, and Kumari Jatra, the chariot procession of Kumari, the living goddess.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The festival combines two distinct but overlapping observances, Indra Jatra and Kumari Jatra, centered on Kathmandu Durbar Square, and includes the striking Lakhe dance, a masked performance representing a protective demon figure, alongside the chariot procession of Kumari, the living goddess, whose chariot has been pulled by an all-women's team on the third day since 2012, a notable break from tradition in a festival with roots reaching back to the 10th century

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Indra Jatra was started by King Gunakamadeva to commemorate the founding of Kathmandu city in the 10th century

Water and renewal

Living ritual

while Kumari Jatra began in the mid-18th century under King Jaya Prakash Malla in 1756

The sacred route

Living ritual

the festival follows the lunar Nepal Era calendar

The local code

Living ritual

running for eight days from the 12th day of the bright fortnight to the 4th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Yanla

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

25 September–2 October 2026

Getting around

Expect street closures, dense pedestrian flow, and slow exits. Comfortable shoes are essential.

What to wear

Comfortable clothing suitable for standing in crowds in Kathmandu Durbar Square; modest, respectful dress is appropriate given the festival's religious character.

Safety

Keep valuables light, set a meeting point, and give processions room to move.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Kathmandu you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Many carnival moments are public, but confirm paid areas or stands before travel.

Language/currency

NPR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map27.70 N, 85.32 EOpen in Google Maps

Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal

Nearest airportKTM — Tribhuvan
TransportExpect street closures, dense pedestrian flow, and slow exits. Comfortable shoes are essential.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Kathmandu you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Kathmandu via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Kathmandu, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearComfortable clothing suitable for standing in crowds in Kathmandu Durbar Square; modest, respectful dress is appropriate given the festival's religious character.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Nepal and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Yenya Lakhe Dance Festival?

Yenya Lakhe Dance Festival is listed for 25 September–2 October 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Yenya Lakhe Dance Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Kathmandu, Nepal. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

8 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLntb.gov.np
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates25 September–2 October 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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