Nepal's Ghode Jatra festival captivates with horse racing tradition

Updated:2 years, 3 months ago

Kathmandu (Nepal), April 09 (ANI): Nepal on Monday observed, Ghode Jatra, the horse racing day with over 60 horses showcasing dozens of moves and stunts in the army pavilion. Organised annually by the Nepal Army Cavalry, the Ghode Jatra celebration in Kathmandu is attended by the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister and other high-level officials. As per the Lunar Calendar, Nepal annually marks Ghode Jatra on the day of Chaitra Krishna Aunsi. In the Nepali language, 'Ghode' refers to 'of horses', and 'Jatra' refers to a type of festival. So, combining these terms, Ghodejatra is meant to be a festival of horses or a horse festival. In general, Ghode Jatra is considered a Jatra (festival) of the Newa community. But, the Jatra of horsemanship and jubilant festivities is observed by everyone inside and outside the Kathmandu valley. The horse parade is also religiously known as the Aswa Yatra and is organised by the locals of the valley to welcome the New Year as well. According to the cultural beliefs, Ghode Jatra started as a celebration of the victory over a demon named Gurumapa (also called Tundi) in ancient times. He used to terrorise people in the Kathmandu valley, cause misery, kidnap children and devour them. Apart from this, another belief that prevails states that during the regime of King Pratap Malla of Kathmandu around 787 BCE, the horse procession was only observed in the Kathmandu valley.

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Nepal's Ghode Jatra festival captivates with horse racing tradition

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