A story of Pulu Kisi and its significance in Yenya (Indra Jatra)
वल्ल वल्ल, पुलुं किसि |
ला छकु वेक , सम्यबजी ||
There are many Tales, stories and evidence which suggests that Newars (Natives of Kathmandu Valley) did not only have the rich culture and heritage. They had also mastered and reached highest level possible in Tantrism / Tantra. Here, I present you one of the stories which is the main reason, why this festival- Yen Ya (Indra Jatra) is celebrated since thousands of years ago.
This white Elephant is a representation of an Elephant, Airawat rode by Lord Indra when he descended on to the Earth. To be specific, in Kathmandu to look for a special flower known as Parijaat (night Jasmine) that was required to perform a ceremony in Heaven by his Mother, Basundhara. And this flower can only be found in human realm. Upon descending to Kathmandu, he left the Elephant in Kilagal Tol and went on to look for the flower in the city, disguised as an ordinary being. Upon wandering around the city, he happened to find this flower in one of the Jyapu’s Garden. As he started plucking the flower, to his surprise, he was tied up in the ropes with the tantric abilities of the Jyapu as Lord Indra was caught stealing the flower from his beautiful Garden without his permission. It is told that this Elephant kept waiting for his Master in Kilagal but he didn’t return as he couldn’t set himself free from Jyapu who was adept at the Tantric power. Later, this Elephant wandered around the city, looking for his Master. This is the very scene that people of Kathmandu reenact in this festival. Of course, later Lord Indra was freed , will post that in the next one.
This white Elephant is a representation of Airawat. It is referred as Pulu Kisi by the locals of Kathmandu Valley. He is taken around to the various parts of the city by the mighty people of Kilagal looking for his Master, Lord Indra every year during all 8 days of Indra Indra Jatra festival.
Video: Short clips of Pulu Kisi dance captured in Indra Jatra 2079 (year 2022). Locaton: Jhochhen Freak Street.
Every year, eight members of Kilagal Tol Guthi are given the responsibility to conduct this Pulu Kisi activity in Yen Ya aka Indra Jatra. The mask of this Pulu Kisi is made up of mud, egg yolk, and Nepali paper. The hair is from the Yak's tail. The white cloth worn by Pulu Kisi is painted using different colors with the pattern of flower, bell and Kalash. The 3rd eye of Pulu Kisi resembles that he can eat anything.
Over 100 years old Pulu Kisi mask.
And here is the mask that is in use today.
Above pictures of Pulu Kisi masks are the courtesy of Radhika Maharjan, Kathmandu, Nepal.
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