It is a historical fact that this festival started based on the fact that King Pratap Malla ordered his queen, who was devastated by her son's grief, to show that the world should also experience the same grief.
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The traditional cultural festival 'Gaijatra', which is celebrated for eight days every year from Bhadra Krishna Pratipada to Ashtami, is being celebrated across the country today by organizing various programs in Kathmandu Valley.
In memory of relatives who have passed away within a year, cows or humans are paraded around their respective areas in the form of cows or people, and milk, fruits, bread, chiura, curd as well as grain and liquid are donated to them by devotees. There is a religious belief that people who have died throughout the year will pass Vaitarani holding the cow's tail by going around the city in this way.
It is a historical fact that this festival started based on the fact that King Pratap Malla ordered his queen, who was devastated by her son's grief, to show that the world should also experience the same grief. It is said that because the Queen's mind could not be calmed down, various kinds of farces and satirical programs were ordered to be held, so the tradition of satire has been going on.
The custom of going through the Raj Prasad (Royal Palace) in Hanumandhoka for the cow procession, which has been in vogue since the time of Pratap Malla, is still maintained. Although Gaijatra is celebrated in different cities of the country, its special charm is seen in the valley. During this festival, which is celebrated till Bhadra Krishna Ashtami day, farces, satirical performances against social evils, dances and songs of Karuna Rasa of Ramayana are also sung in memory of dead people.
Gaijatra as a satire against distortion
Cow processions were also banned after the royal coup on 1st January 2017 for satirizing the Panchayat system. In the year 2033, the Nepal State Pragya Pratishthan started celebrating Gaijatra again with tableaus and humor as a festival.
humor makes people aware of the haphazard and reflects the significance in the tragedy. During the Jatra, the Paddy and rice samples of Satya Yuga shown in Patan and the books written in gold and silver characters shown in Thamel in Kathmandu are considered to be particularly spectacular. Today, on the occasion of Gaijatra, the distortions and disharmony existing in the society are exposed. Various programs are also organized in an entertaining and satirical manner in public. Newspapers also publish satirical issues covering social injustice.
The Gaijatra festival is celebrated with great pomp in Kathmandu valley, including Banepa, Dhulikhel, Panauti, Bahrvise, Trishuli, Dolakha, Khotang, Bhojpur, Chainpur, Ilam, Dharan, Biratnagar, Birganj, Hetauda, Pokhara and other cities with a special presence of Newar community citizens. Comedians have also organized a special program on this occasion. The government has declared a public holiday in Kathmandu Valley today.
