The Gaijatra festival, which began in Bhaktapur on August 19 (Bhadra 4), concluded yesterday. The festival commenced on Janai Purnima with the worship of Taleju and the ceremonial release of cows, officially ending yesterday with another worship of Taleju, according to Taleju’s chief priest, Narendra Prasad Joshi.
While Gaijatra is traditionally observed the day after Janai Purnima in memory of deceased loved ones, the celebrations in Bhaktapur extend for seven days. During this period, the festival features various performances, including the Ghintang Ghisi dance and satirical presentations.
Every afternoon from the start of Gaijatra until yesterday, the streets of Bhaktapur were filled with performances such as the Ghintang Ghisi dance, Hanuman dance, Mak Pyak dance, Jangali dance, and satirical cartoons and placards, which were paraded through different neighborhoods.
Yesterday, hundreds of women, dressed in traditional Newari attire known as Hakupatasi, participated in a procession through the streets, lighting lamps for Narayan at the Bhairav Temple.
As yesterday also coincided with Shreekrishna Janmashtami, children and youth of Bhaktapur lit oil lamps on their heads, hands, and bodies and carried them in a procession from Suryamadi to Dattatreya, Sukuldhoka, Taumadhi, Banshgopal, and Inacho Durbar Square, before returning to Suryamadi.
The festival officially concluded with the evening worship of Taleju and the procession of various traditional dances through the city, marking the end of Gaijatra, as noted by chief priest Joshi.
