Gai Jatra

Gai Jatra

Gai jatra is one of the many festivals that is celebrated in Nepal, mainly in Kathmandu valley by Newar community .It is celebrated on the month of Bhadra . The main belief of celebrating this festival is to  diminish the sadness from the death of family members.  

According to the tradition,  every family who has lost one relative during the past year must participate in a procession through the streets of Kathmandu leading a cow. If a cow is unavailable then a young boy dressed as a cow is considered a fair substitute. When they are traveling through the streets, people can offer them foods, clothes and other things. Bhaktapur is considered as having  the most enjoyable and exciting gai jatra.  They make chariot made of bamboo wrapped in cloth, with a photo of the dead person hung at the center, is navigated through a predefined street by the family along with localities.

Many local musicians, and a cultural dance called Ghinta Ghisi follow in the path of a chariot. Men are also seen wearing women's dress. People dress up in a funny way for the entertaining themselves and to enjoy the festival. They also prefer face painting and wearing cartoon masks. Children even dress up as Gods and join the parade.

The Ghinta Ghisi dance is celebrated for almost a week, starting from the day of Gaijatra to Krishna Janmashtami. The dance is done in a long queen with two persons in a row hitting each other's sticks. 

In this way, the valley is filled with excitement and happiness during this day.