The traditional festival of Gaijatra or the 'cow festival' was observed in the three cities of Kathmandu Valley and some other places in the country amidst fun, gaiety, humor, satire and entertainment.
The traditional festival of Gaijatra or the 'cow festival' was observed in the three cities of Kathmandu Valley and some other places in the country amidst fun, gaiety, humor, satire and entertainment.
The festival, beginning on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra as per the lunar calendar, lasts for a week.
Gai Jatra is one of the popular festivals that is celebrated mainly in the Capital.
Families, who have lost a relative during the past year, lead a cow in the procession, or dress a boy as the animal, to make sure their lost loved one has a place in heaven.
According to legend, people walked through the mythical Baitarni River holding the tail of a cow to reach heaven.
During the 17th century Nepal's ruler, King Pratap Malla, is said to have invited people to march in costumes and perform stunts and plays in front of his palace to make his grief-stricken wife feel better after the death of their son. The queen eventually smiled and accepted the loss of her son. Many people believe the parade has continued ever since.
During the parade, the participants wear fancy paper headdresses to impersonate cows, as well as white loin cloths and loose saffron vests. Likewise, if the family has lost a female member, the boys sport female-attire.
The bereaved families offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd and money to those participating in the procession including the cows.
The day is a public holiday in Kathmandu Valley. Apart from Kathmandu Valley, the festival is also observed in Banepa, Dhulikhel, Trishuli, Dolakha, Khotang, Bhojpur, Chainpur, Ilam, Dharan, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Hetauda and Pokhara. RSS
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