Ghode Jatra

Ghode Jatra is a very popular festival that celebrates in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. It falls on the Nepali month of Chaitra, which usually falls in March or April, and it will celebrate on the day of the dark moon.

The festival has its roots in a legend, according to which, a demon named Tundi used to terrorize the city. It is believed that the horse parade is organized to mark the occasion of the demon’s defeat.

During the festival, a grand horse parade occurs at Tundikhel, a significant open ground in the center of Kathmandu. The parade features horses from the Nepalese army, the police, and civilian riders. The horses will decorate with colorful harnesses, saddles, and other ornaments, and riders will perform various stunts and tricks to entertain the crowd.

The Ghode Jatra festival also involves other cultural and religious activities, such as street fairs, music, and dance performances. The event thousands of people from all over Nepal, as well as tourists from around the world, will attend.

Ghode Jatra is not only a celebration of the city’s victory over the demon. But also a time for people to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage. The festival is an essential part of Nepal’s cultural calendar and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy.

Why Ghode Jatra will celebrate?

Ghode Jatra is celebrated to commemorate a legendary event that is said to have occurred in the ancient past. According to the legend, a demon named Tundi terrorized the Kathmandu Valley and caused chaos and destruction. It is said that people were afraid to leave their homes, and the demon’s reign of terror continued unchecked.

One day, a brave prince named Jaya Prakash Malla devised a plan to defeat the demon. He ordered the people of the valley to prepare for a great horse race, and they were instructed to make as much noise as possible during the race.

The day of the race arrived, and the people of the valley gathered to watch the spectacle. As the horses raced by, the noise from the spectators grew louder and louder. The demon Tundi, who was terrified of noise, was driven mad by the commotion and tried to escape by leaping over the walls of the city. However, he was caught and slain by the people of the valley.

The Ghode Jatra festival is celebrated to remember this legend and to honor the bravery of Prince Jaya Prakash Malla and the people of the Kathmandu Valley. The festival also celebrates the role of horses in Nepalese culture and tradition, and the horse race is seen as a symbol of strength, courage, and unity