The celebration of Indra Jatra - the festival of the rain god - was marred in Nepal Thursday as violence erupted in the capital over the new government's decision to appoint Indian priests at the revered Hindu temple of Pashupatinath.

"Go back to India, Indian priests" and "Down with the government" screamed protesters who blocked the road leading to the 5th century shrine in the capital, burnt tyres on the road and forced shops to shut down.