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Festival Gai Jatra
Gai means cow in Nepali, Festival Gai Jatra is a famous festival in Nepal celebrated in mid-July.
Story behind Why festival Gai Jatra is celebrated?
During the Malla dynasty around 150 years ago there was a king called Pratap Malla of Bhaktapur. His son died and his wife was in mourning. To help his wife to overcome this sorrow, Pratap Malla created the Gai Jatra festival to celebrate death. He told all the people in his Bhaktapur Kingdom to have a festival in the name of dead family member.
His main motive was to show his wife that it was not just his family suffering but many others in the country. For Gai Jatra, King Pratap Malla ordered each household to decorate a chariot or cow with pictures and the belongings of the dead and this is how the fest started.
Gai Jatra, is a festival celebrated in Nepal, mainly by Newar community all over Nepal. The festival is generally celebrated in the month of Bhadra. The date is set according to the lunar Nepali calendar.
How Festival Gai Jatra is celebrated?
In this festival people decorate a small chariot or cow similarly to the one used for the Bisket festival. In the chariot or cow they put the photo of the one who has passed, they carry the chariot or guide the cow and walk around the street singing and playing “Ghintan Ghisi Twak”.
Thus, Festival Gai Jatra of dancing, singing in a crowd of laughter. The festival dead is celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley and most of the Newar settlement all around Nepal to commemorate the death of loved ones.
Their walking and singing in a procession is eye-catching. This fest was initiated in the Kingdom of Bhaktapur during Malla’s regime, but nowadays it is celebrated all over Nepal by Newar community majorly.
People drink and have more fun when they are celebrating this fest. But the celebration in Bhaktapur and Newar communities is beautiful and it’s great to spent time there.
Bhaktapur Gai Jatra is famous for a reason
One great thing about Bhaktapur Festival Gai Jatra is that they celebrate during the night till midnight.
Gai means cow and Jatra means fest. But in Nepali society this term Festival Gai Jatra is also used for fun and protest against corrupt government (on stage).
In Bhaktapur is also notable for its satirical performances and humorous acts. Participants often engage in playful acts, lampooning social and political figures, and expressing grievances through satire. It’s a time when people can openly express their opinions and criticisms in a lighthearted manner.
The festival is known for its vibrant and colorful processions, with people dressed in traditional attire, wearing masks, and carrying effigies or photos of the deceased. Musicians, dancers, and performers also accompany the procession, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Due to its cultural significance and colorful celebrations, Bhaktapur jatra attracts both domestic and international tourists. Visitors have the opportunity to witness traditional Nepali culture, folklore, and rituals up close, making it a memorable cultural experience.
Festival Gai Jatra allows people to celebrate the lives of departed family members with respect and to love & remember them in a joy.
Overall, Bhaktapur Festival Gai Jatra is famous for its rich cultural heritage, colorful celebrations, and its role in commemorating the departed while also providing a platform for social commentary and community cohesion.
You would definitely enjoy this festival which normally occurs in mid-July. Come and share your joy with us. If you want an organized tour for this festival, we can assist you for sure.
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