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People of the Newar community pulling the chariot of living Goddess Kumari during the Indra Jatra festival, on Thursday, September 03, 2009. nepalnews.com/NPA

President Dr Ram Baran Yadav observed the traditional Indrajatra festival at Basantapur, Kathmandu on Thursday afternoon.

Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, senior ministers, top government officials, security heads, foreign ambassadors and other high-level dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

The President was given the guard of honour by the Nepal Army when he arrived at Basantapur.

On the occasion, he offered puja to Indra, the Hindu God of rain. The festival is marked especially by the chariot procession of Kumari, the virgin goddess, including Ganesh and Bhairab.

Thousands of people, including tourists from various countries, watched the mask dances including other religious rituals with keen interest. nepalnews.com