The traditional cultural festival of Gai Jatra was observed in Kathmandu’s Basantpur on Tuesday, with participants honoring the occasion with deep reverence. Gai Jatra, known as the “Festival of Cows,” is a significant event held annually to commemorate deceased family members.
On this special day, the streets of Basantpur were lively with processions featuring individuals dressed as cows, symbolizing the departed souls. This ritual involves parading through local areas, an act rooted in the belief that it helps the souls of the deceased navigate the afterlife.
During the festival, devotees offered various donations including milk, fruits, bread, puffed rice, yogurt, and other essentials. These offerings are made to honor the memory of those who have passed away in the past year.
The traditional practice is guided by a religious belief that those who have died within the year are assisted in crossing the ‘Vaitarani River’—a symbolic passage to the afterlife—by holding the tail of the symbolic cow. This belief underscores the festival’s role in providing solace and spiritual comfort to the bereaved families.
Gai Jatra, which translates to “Cow Festival,” not only serves as a poignant remembrance but also fosters community spirit and cultural continuity, reflecting the rich tapestry of Nepalese traditions.
