Kathmandu — Gai Jatra was observed today in the Basantapur Durbar area of Kathmandu.
Among the Newar community, Gai Jatra is celebrated by parading cows through the market in memory of relatives who passed away within the year. People dress up as cows and parade through their neighborhoods, following the tradition of offering milk, fruits, bread, beaten rice, yogurt, grains, and monetary donations.
Every year, Gai Jatra holds special significance in Kathmandu. There is a religious belief that by parading through the town, the souls of the deceased who passed away during the year hold onto the cow’s tail and cross the mythical river Vaitarani.
According to historical accounts, King Pratap Malla, distressed by the loss of his son, ordered the people to hold a Gai Jatra procession in memory of their deceased family members to show the queen that everyone experiences grief.
Since the queen’s sorrow did not subside, the king also ordered comedic and satirical performances during the festival, which led to the tradition of humor and satire becoming part of Gai Jatra.
The tradition, which started during King Pratap Malla’s reign, involves a procession passing through the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace and continues to this day. Although Gai Jatra is celebrated across various cities in Nepal, it holds a special vibrancy in the Kathmandu Valley.