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| ©Bhuwan Maharjan |
Gai Jatra, the festival, (gai means cow and jatra means festival in Nepali (गाई जात्रा) and Nepal Bhasa (सा पारु) celebrated in Nepal, mainly in Kathmandu valley by the Newar community. The festival commemorates the death of people during the year. During the festival, cows are marched in the streets and generally celebrated in the month of Bhadra (August–September). It falls on the 1st day of the dark fortnight of Gunla according to the lunar Nepal Era calendar. People also distribute food to others. The festival of cows is one of the most popular festivals of Nepal. It is celebrated to remove the sadness of death of family members.
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| ©Bhuwan Maharjan |
This was the first time i observed Gai Jatra at Kirtipur. Among the people of Kirtipur, it is said that the gates of heaven for the dead are opened in this day, and the procession of Gaijatra will help their beloved to reach the gates of heaven if they march around the city for them. They march around the city of Kirtipur with not dressing up like cows but rather dressed up in different forms of gods and goddesses. People celebrate this festival not only for their dead relatives but also for peace and harmony among the family members and the city itself. It was total fun watching the hooligans terrifying the small kids and their terrific dance along with the Newari music..
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| ©Bhuwan Maharjan |
