Ghode Jatra — A festival in Kathmandu

Ghode Jatra also known as the Horse racing festival is the major festival celebrated in Tundikhel, Kathmandu valley. According to the Nepali calendar, it is celebrated on the month of Chaitra. It appears on the day between the months of March-April as per global calendar. The Ghode Jatra is known as the oldest festival celebrated in the country’s cultural hub of the Valley.

Why Ghode Jatra is Celebrated?

As per the ancient mythology, Gurumapa a demon lived in the Tundikhel used to abduct juvenile kids with an intention to terrorize and torture them. So denizens of Kathmandu paraded horse in the Tundikhel with an intention to kill the devil encroaching under the horse toe. And when he met with his death people rejoiced by dancing over his body with horses. So it is believed that the clamor of horses’ hooves on Ghode Jatra at Tundikhel keeps the demon spirit at bay as it still threatens to ruin the city. It’s believed that, the faster the horses run quicker will Gurumapa’s spirit is dispelled.

People Celebrate Ghode Jatra

Ghode Jatra is celebrated specially by Newari communities. Considered as the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley, Newars are people belonging to Newari communities with diverse culture, traditions and activities. They carry away the deities, Goddess Bhadrakali and Goddess Kankeshwari over the narrowed streets of Asan just before the night of Ghode Jatra.

In Tundikhel How Ghode Jatra is Celebrated?

A special horse parade is organized to showcase horse riding festivals. The event is observed by the President, the Prime Minister of Nepal along with other ministers and dignitaries.

On the day, the Nepali Army cavalry team performs different artistic stunts riding on their horses.