Nepali Student Association Brings Indra Jatra to UCO
Su Lay Nwe
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Nepali Student Association (NSA) will host Indra Jatra 2025 on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 3:30 p.m. at the Blue Tent, Broncho Lake.
The event is open to all and will feature a parade, traditional dances, Nepali cuisine, and cultural attire.
Indra Jatra is a traditional festival celebrated in Nepal, especially by the Newar community, to honor the monsoon season and a bountiful harvest. Highlights include God Indra’s story, the protective Lakhey demon, and Kumari, a living goddess paraded to bless the community.
“Last year, we hosted this festival as a smaller cultural event, and the turnout was amazing,” said Jenisha Kashichhawa, NSA president.
“This year, we wanted to continue that tradition and invite even more students and community members to experience it.”
Attendees can enjoy the parade, Lakhey dance performances, the Kumari procession, and traditional Newari foods like puffed rice, peanuts, and pickles. They also provided water and electrolytes to keep participants refreshed during the parade.
Originally scheduled for Sept. 8, the event was postponed to Sept. 24 due to political unrest in Nepal. Despite challenges, Kashichhawa praised her team for their dedication and hard work.
The festival is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members, offering a chance to experience the rich traditions of Nepal right on campus.