Gaijatra Festival

Nepal is very rich in culture and celebration, Gaijatra Festival is one of the celebrations. Nepal is a multi-cultural, multi-traditional, and multi-caste system country in the world. But it is a peaceful and beautiful country too. This festival is celebrated mainly in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. Which falls in the month of Bhadra (August/September) of the Nepali calendar.

The Gaijatra festival is also known as “Gai Jatra” or “Gaijatraa” which means “Cow Festival” in English. Gai means cow and Jatra is a celebration or festival. Similarly, there are other many festivals like Indra Jatra, Ghode Jatra, etc that will celebrate in Kathmandu. All the festival in Nepal has their own value and significance in the society.

During the Gaijatra festival, people, especially from the Newar community, dress up in traditional attire. And take part in processions that involve the display of decorated cows, which are considered holy in Hinduism. The cows are decorated with various ornaments, painted in different colors, and paraded through the streets.

The Gaijatra festival has its origins in the belief that cows help the deceased in their journey to the afterlife. It is said that in the past, the king of Nepal would organize the festival to help those who had lost a loved one to come to terms with their grief. The festival was also an opportunity for people to satirize and mock the ruling class through humorous skits and performances.

Today, the festival has evolved into a more lighthearted event that celebrates the life and the memory of loved ones. It is also an opportunity for people to come together and share their sorrows and joys. In addition to the procession of cows, the festival also features street performances, traditional dances, and feasting.