Celebrations of Gai Jatra in Nepal 2024

Gai Jatra, also known as the Cow Festival, is a vibrant celebration of dancing, singing, and laughter, is one of the most important festivals in Nepal held in the Kathmandu Valley. Gai Jatra festival is dedicated to commemorating the deceased loved ones from the past year. As part of the tradition, families who have lost someone send people, often children, dressed as cows to parade through the streets. This unique procession usually takes place in July or August.

The word “Gai” translates to “cow” in English, and in Hinduism, cows are revered as the goddess of wealth. Gai Jatra serves as both a time to honour and remember the departed and a way to ease the pain of loss. The festival encourages the sharing of sorrow and offers comfort in knowing that the souls of the departed are at peace.

Gai Jatra is not just about mourning; it is also a celebration of life. The day is marked by a lively parade where participants don colourful and eccentric costumes, creating an atmosphere of joy and humour. In Bhaktapur Gai Jatra festival extends over eight days, filled with various activities and performances.

The origins of Gai Jatra trace back to the era of the Malla rulers. According to legend, a Malla queen was deeply grieving the untimely death of her son. To console her, the king invited every family who had lost a loved one to participate in a procession. This display of collective mourning helped the queen realize she was not alone in her suffering. Over time, the festival evolved into a joyous event, filled with laughter and jest, as the procession winds through the streets, turning grief into communal support and celebration.

What does Gai jatra mean?

The literal meaning of gai is “cow” and jatra is a “march” or “festival”. The concept of Gaijatra is not about worshiping the death or mocking the death but is about accepting it.

Who introduced Gai Jatra in Nepal?

Gai Jatra was initiated by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century as a way to cope with a personal tragedy. The king declared that anyone who could make the grieving queen smile after the death of her son would be rewarded. Sarcastic and comedic performances eventually succeeded in making the queen laugh, leading King Pratap Malla to establish it as an annual celebration.

Why is Gai Jatra celebrated?

Gai Jatra is celebrated to pay homage to the deceased family members and to share the grief of the family. It started during the reign of King Pratap Malla when his queen could not cope with the demise of their son Prince Chakravatendra Malla, The commoners came out with a cow procession and also attempted to make the queen smile through comic performances as per the King’s command. The procession and comedy performances/competitions continue to date.

What is done with cows at Gai Jatra?

The cow is considered sacred and is worshipped as a mother in Hinduism. The reasoning behind the involvement of cows is that it is said that the cows help navigate the souls of the dead to heaven.

Gai Jatra holds significant importance in modern times as it fosters community bonds and provides a space for shared mourning and celebration. Participants often paint their faces as part of the ritual, and the festival also serves as a platform for peaceful political protests. In this way, Gai Jatra continues to be a vital and unifying tradition in Nepali culture.