Kathmandu, Aug 10: Gaijatra, a cultural festival of the Kathmandu Valley and other parts of the country, is being observed today with various programmes filled with fun, humor, and satire.
The eight-day festival typically begins on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra (Bhadra Krishna Pratipada) and concludes on Ashtami, according to the lunar calendar. Gaijatra is dedicated to commemorating those who have passed away within the one year.
The tradition involves cows or people dressed as cows parading through the streets. Observers offer them milk, fruits, beaten rice, traditional bread, curd, grains, and money. It is believed that such rituals help the deceased in their ‘heavenly’ journey.
The origin of the festival dates back to the reign of King Pratap Malla. Following the death of his son during a smallpox epidemic, the king initiated Gaijatra to console his grieving queen. He encouraged his citizens to engage in humor and satire and public performances throughout the city so as to make her realised that such loss is a universal human experience.
Over time, Gaijatra evolved as a means of satirical expression, often targeting political and social anomalies and malpractices.
The festival was banned following the royal ‘coup’ in 2017 BS but was revived in 2033 BS by the then Nepal Royal Academy (now Nepal Academy).
In addition to the three cities of the Kathmandu Valley, Gaijatra is also observed in Banepa, Dhulikhel, Panauti, Barhabise, Trishuli, Dolakha, Khotang, Bhojpur, Chainpur, Dharan, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Hetauda, and Pokhara, particularly by members of the Newar community.
The government has announced a public holiday in the Kathmandu Valley today on the occasion of the Gaijatra
