Ghode Jatra today: Public holiday in valley

KATHMANDU: The Ghode Jatra festival, which is celebrated every year on the day of Chaitra Krishna Aunsi, is being celebrated today by organizing various programs, especially in Kathmandu Valley.

The Directorate of Military Public Relations and Information is orchestrating an engaging horse-riding ceremony featuring a plethora of equestrian performances.

These include captivating arts like Tangan horse race, show jumping, flag hoisting, drill ride, and equestrian archery, presented in two stages.

Legend has it that a demon named Gurumapa once resided in a tree to the east-south of Tundikhel, preying on the city’s children. The locals, fearing for their children’s safety, vanquished the demon through various means.

To prevent any resurgence of Gurumapa’s malevolence, every year on Chaitra Krishna Aunsi, the spirit of Gurumapa is symbolically trampled by a horse, and food offerings are made at the foot of the same tree.

This ritual is believed to safeguard the city’s children from harm throughout the year.

The Nepali Army will showcase horsemanship, motorcycle sports, physical exercises, martial arts, and more at Tundikhel. In Lalitpur, the tradition of celebrating Ghode Jatra by running young horses continues.

To mark the occasion, the government has declared a public holiday in Kathmandu Valley.