Ghode Jatra
Ghode Jatra in Kathmandu,Nepal
Ghode Jatra the Festival of Horses or Parade of horses is a festival that is loved by many in Nepal. A grand horse parade takes place at Tundikhel, the central point of the city where many events take place. Ghode Jatra, the Horse Racing Day falls in mid-March or early April (April 05, this year). During Ghode Jatra another Newari Festival also falls on the same day, this Festival is known as Pahachare. Pahachare basically is the festival to welcome to the Nepali New Year
The origin of Ghode Jatra is something that is unknown and as years have passed since the first Ghode Jatra the story of who introduced the Jatra has changed and the real story is unknown.
Legend has it that there was a demon known as Tundi that feasted on the people who used to visit Tudhikhel as it used to reside there. So, The people of kathmandu after killing the Demon Tundi , rode horses over its body as a celebration on killing the demon. This is also a reason why during Ghode Jatra horses are rode and the belief is that the galloping of the horses keeps the Demon Tundi’ s spirit away from Kathmandu city.
During Ghode Jatra the military of Nepal has a huge competitive sport of Horse racing , during this event , the military personnel also show various drills, stunts , and other various military talents. The band of military themselves also play in Tudhikhel in the presence of the Prime minister, Ministers and the Head of the country as well. Though before democracy Ghode Jatra used to only be shown in the presence of the King, Nowadays , it is shown to the Higher ups and the people who have influential political power in the country.
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Source: Nepal Tourism Board #nepaltourismboard #ntb
