Kathmandu, 29 August: The traditional cultural festival of Gai Jatra (Cow Festival) is being celebrated on Saturday. The festival is observed every year for eight days, from the first day of the waning fortnight of the Nepali month of Bhadra until the eighth day.
On this day, people commemorate relatives who have died during the past year by decorating cows or people as cows and taking them in procession around their neighborhoods. Devotees offer milk, fruits, bread, beaten rice, yogurt, grains and money to the participants. There is a religious belief that by taking part in the procession, the souls of those who died during the year can cross the mythical Vaitarani River by holding onto a cow’s tail.
Historical accounts say that King Pratap Malla introduced the festival to console his queen, who was devastated by the death of their son. The king wanted to show her that others also experience the pain of losing loved ones. According to popular tradition, the queen remained inconsolable, prompting the king to order various humorous and satirical performances. This is believed to have led to the tradition of comedy and satire associated with Gai Jatra.
The tradition of the Gai Jatra procession passing through the former royal palace at Hanuman Dhoka continues to this day. Although the festival is celebrated in various cities across Nepal, it is particularly vibrant in the Kathmandu Valley.
During the festival, which continues until the eighth day of the waning fortnight of Bhadra, people stage humorous performances, satirical displays highlighting social problems and distortions, and various dances and musical performances. Songs expressing the pathos of the Ramayana are also sung in memory of the deceased.
Gai Jatra is celebrated with great enthusiasm in cities with significant Newar communities, including Kathmandu Valley, Banepa, Dhulikhel, Panauti, Barhabise, Trishuli, Dolakha, Khotang, Bhojpur, Chainpur, Ilam, Dharan, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Hetauda and Pokhara.
Comedians also organize special programs on the occasion. The government traditionally declares a public holiday in the Kathmandu Valley for Gai Jatra. However, this year the festival falls on Saturday, which is already a public holiday.
