Gai Jatra festival today, public holiday in the Kathmandu valley
The festival is observed with various programs throughout the country.
KATHMANDU: Today marks the start of Gai Jatra, a traditional cultural festival celebrated for eight days from the Krishna Pratipada of Bhadra to the eighth day.
The festival is observed with various programs throughout the country.
In memory of relatives who have passed away within the past year, families decorate cows or people as cows and take them on a procession around their local areas.
They offer milk, fruits, bread, beaten rice, yogurt, and other grains and goods as a tribute. The belief is that this procession helps the deceased cross the Vaitarani River and achieve salvation.
Historically, King Pratap Malla initiated this festival to show his queen, who was grieving the loss of their son, that the whole community should experience similar mourning. He commanded that people take cows decorated in the names of their deceased relatives on a procession around the city.
The festival’s tradition of humor and satire also began from this period, with the king ordering various comedic performances to lighten the mood.
The tradition of taking the procession through the Hanuman Dhoka Palace has continued since King Pratap Malla’s time.
Although Gai Jatra is celebrated in various locations, it is particularly lively and colorful in the Kathmandu Valley.
The festival, which lasts until Krishna Ashtami, includes satire, performances, dances, and songs lamenting the deceased. It serves as a platform to address social issues and criticize societal flaws through humor.
During the Panchayat era, following the royal coup of 1961, Gai Jatra faced a ban for its satire against the regime.
However, in 1976, the Royal Nepal Academy reintroduced the festival, allowing it to be celebrated once more with floats and comedic performances.
Today, Gai Jatra highlights social issues and injustices through entertaining and satirical means. Various programs and satire columns in newspapers also address societal problems.
The festival is celebrated with special fervor in Kathmandu Valley as well as in places like Banepa, Dhulikhel, Panauti, Bahadurgunj, Trishuli, Dolakha, Khotang, Bhojpur, Chainpur, Ilam, Dharan, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Hetauda, and Pokhara, where the Newar community is particularly active.
The government has declared today a public holiday in the Kathmandu Valley to mark the occasion.
