The annual festival of Gaijatra is being observed in Kathmandu Valley and some other parts of Nepal. The Newars of Kathmandu Valley commemorate those who have passed away in the past year on Gaijatra. This time, however, the festival is being observed in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

People marking the festival on Tuesday were seen wearing face masks and taking other precautionary measures. People of all ages in the guise of cows and buffoons go around the city, wearing odd customs to remember those who died during the past year. Families of the bereaved offer fruits, beaten rice, curd and money to those participating in the possession.

This festival is believed to have started during the reign of King Pratap Malla, who, in a bid to console his queen, much grieved at the death of her son in a smallpox epidemic, ordered his people to organise humour and satire programmes in various comic postures.

Here are some photos of this year's Gaijatra by Post photographers.