Given the year, the 2015 Gai Jatra (Gaijatra / Sa Paru) festival in Nepal is perhaps one of the most meaningful events of the year for many families who lost loved ones. The festival has a long history dating back further than its 17th century modern day interpretation. The mean of Gai Jatra is literally – Gai – “Cow” and Jatra – “Festival”. |
So what do cows and the celebration of death have to do with each other. And why is it a festival?! Read on to discover more about this amazing festival in Nepal.History of Gai JatraFirstly, the cow is revered deeply in Hinduism. The cow is a symbol of the Earth. It gives and feeds which represents life and the support of life. Hence a festival dedicated to cows. Lost in the annals of history it is said the people of the Kathmandu Valley worshiped Yamaraj (Yama), the Hindu “lord of death” on this day. During King Pratap Malla’s reign 1641 – 1664 his family were stuck by a tragedy when his son died. The king’s wife was grief stricken and inconsolable. Distressed by his wife’s grief the king tried to cheer her up but failed at every attempt to make her smile.
During Gai Jatra festival when the cow procession was passing my the window of 33 virtues in Kathmandu Durbar square a group of boisterous performers shocked everyone. The group began ridiculing and mocking the rich, members of high society. While at the same time they highlighted the plight of the poor. They then showed the injustices within society with no mercy spared.
King Pratap Malla then ordered that laughter, jokes, satire and mockery should be included in the Gai Jatra festival from then on. Tradition then took foot and people who lost a family during the year would take part in the festival by leading a cow along the precession. If no cow is available then a young boy is used as a substitute. |
Gai Jatra today in the Kathmandu Valley
Gai Jatra is still celebrated every year in several cities within the Kathmandu Valley. It’s usually celebrated on the first day of Bhadra month of the Lunar calendar. In other words at the end / start of August / September. In 2015 Gai Jatra was celebrated on August 30th.The primary location for the festival is Kathmandu city. As this is where much of it originated from. A procession is lead through Durbar Square and several other localised areas within the city. |
In Bhaktapur the procession includes decorated chariots which display photographs of those that passed away during the year. Men also dress as women and dance with others along the streets. |
In Patan Gai Jatra is celebrated similarly to Kathmandu but with less fanfare. If you don’t like crowds this is a better option. Gai Jatra in Kirtipur is celebrated a little differently due to a merging of several beliefs. In Kirtipur it is said that the gates of heaven open up on this day. People dress as Hindu gods rather than cows and dance along the streets. People are encourage to knock on neighbors doors and invite them to come out and dance with them. |
The Kathmandu Gai Jatra FestivalGai Jatra this year in Kathmandu started at 8am in Basantapur (Kathmandu Durbar Square). It follows a short parade style route going from Basantapur (Hanumandhoka)-Maru-Jaisidewal-Lagan-Gokhal-Brhmatole-Onde-Hyumat-Jaisidewal-Kohiti-Bhimsensthan-Maru Maru-Pyaphal-Naradevi-Bangemuda-Asan-Kamalakshi-Bhotahity-Asan-Indrachowk-Hanumandhoka |
Up at 5am I was at Basantapur (Kathmandu Durbar Square) by 6am. Rather shockingly the ticket counters were open early to charge tourists 750 rupees on a national holiday – bit cheeky that. More in the coming weeks. Nevertheless Kathmandu Durbar square was still relatively quiet, but busier than usual as tents were set up to provide water for the mornings activites. I do advise anyone who does not like crowds to come early. Find a quiet spot on the northern section of Durbar Square and stay put. The southern section was very crowded as was the area around the window of virtues. |
What’s the Gai Jatra Festival like in Bhaktapur?Bhaktapur takes on a much more colorful approach to Gai Jatra. It’s also a lot more crowded. Dancing and colorful characters perform around the three main squares. Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square and Dattatreya Square. |
The festival kicks off at 10am and continues on for the afternoon. During the night dancing and music continues on in the squares for the whole week. Though accommodation doesn’t book out completely it does rise dramatically in price. Booking accommodating like this ahead of time is advisable. What’s the Gai Jatra Festival like in Patan?Dancing and colorful figures surround Patan Durbar Square. While slightly more colorful than Kathmandu’s Gai Jatra there’s not much of a difference and it’s harder to get a vantage point. Do be prepared to join the jostling crowd here. |
The festival takes place over two days. There’s no need to stay in Patan as it’s close to Kathmandu city.What time does Gai Jatra start?
Tips and help to enjoy Gai Jatra in Nepal
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Gai Jatra the nearly offical start to tourist season in NepalGai Jatra’s date changes by a few weeks every year. To me it’s nearly always near the start of tourist season in Nepal (15th September). Do check out my list of festivals in Nepal for more. Gai Jatra is a festival steeped in history, color, remembrance, celebration and pride. If you are planning an early visit to Nepal it’s a unique festival that’s worth witnessing! Gai Jatra dates: Gari Jatra in 2015 was on August 30th 2015 Gari Jatra in 2016 was on August 19th 2016 Gari Jatra in 2017 is on August 8th 2017 |
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Fantastic photos and live posting on the day. Throughly enjoyed this!
Glad you enjoyed Mike!
Beautiful photographs. I never such a festival existed. It’s so hard to get information. Thanks for telling us about it.
You’re very welcome Helen.
Loved learning so much about Gai Jatra. Such a fascinating part of history in Nepal
It’s got a unique history for sure.
Stunning photos. Really enjoyed this. We arrive a month later. I hope there’s still a lot to see and do!
There’s lot’s to see and do in Nepal in September and October!
Nice to learn something different about the cultures. The pics are nice.
Cheers
Thanks for showing us something we may not have ever seen elsewhere.
Glad you found it here!
Interesting how all the festivals and traditions combined into one with Gai Jatra.
Yes, it is. The festival is also quite different in the surrounding cities in KTM valley.
Very interesting. I also just found out why the cow is so important. Thanks
Glad you found out about the cow too!
Looks like an amazing event. Do they charge an entrance fee?
There’s no entrance fee. But sadly the 750 rupee fee into Kathmandu Durbar square was enforced on the day for forigners.
Beautiful photos and interesting write up David. Great to see things like this culture still happening in Nepal!
Nepal is the last bastion of this type of raw culture and expereince!
Great! Looks like a popular festival for what I think is still Nepal’s “off season”
Yes, it’s in the off season. A good time to go if you don’t mind some rain.
Seems like a strange festival from my perspective. But to them, the lifestyle I live would be strange to them lol.
I love how, though we are all human, we all have significantly different lifestyles.
Neat.
I have to experience them all!
Hello Dave,
I was randomly scouring through the net and came across blog and I got lured by the title. Your blog is so different and to read about the immigrants from a third person’s perspective was really interesting and the title was really different and catchy too. Good work!