Gai Jatra

                              Gai jatra

Gaijatra is one of the local festivals which is celebrated with great zeal and happiness. It falls during Bhadra and Children are found disguising themselves in the form of cows to move from street to street. It is very popular in Newari community. They make what it merriment and return home with charity what is given to them.

There are different stories regarding this Jatra. It is said that a queen lost her son, so, to make her happy people disguised themselves and made the queen happy through their peculiar appearances. In other story, if anyone dies then to go across Baitadi river without any problem, the Jatra is marked. To rest the departed soul in heaven, people disguise themselves in this occasion. Whatever the story it has, the valley marks Gaijatra for fun and joy with great zeal and enthusiasm.

During this, the disguised persons move from place to place following a mass with a band of people and reach in front of door where they are provided milk, bread, fruits etc. Even one year child is carried on the shoulder of man during the festival. In the evening people display Lakhe dance. It is believed that lakhe is form of “Rakheshyas” or “Demon” and dies on Krishnasthami Day. The dance gives full entertainment to the people.

Nepal is an agricultural country. After completing cultivation in the valley it is celebrated. The jatra has its great importance. It is the festival which reflects our culture and enriches cultural heritages in Newari Community.