Nepal: Halloween celebrated in a different style

Updated:7 years, 2 months ago

Kirtipur (Nepal), Aug 27 (ANI): The ancient city of Nepal’s Kirtipur on Monday was preparing for a festival commonly known as “GaiJatra” in a different way. The Gai Jatra or Cow festival remembers those who have recently passed away and involves children dressing up and marching in a procession. The locals took to the street and major chowks around the city donned in various attires reflecting the mythical characters in the festivities resembling that of during Halloween in foreign countries. The festival, which is mainly observed by the Newar community of the Himalayan nation also witnesses the participation of the other communities in the procession where fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, money and other items are distributed. Nepal’s Halloween festival is believed to give salvation to the deceased one's soul during their journey to heaven by grabbing the tail of cow while crossing a river.