Ghodejatra festival observed in Kathmandu [In Pictures]

KATHMANDU: The traditional Ghodejatra festival was celebrated in Kathmandu Valley with a special program organized by the Nepali Army at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel on Wednesday.

The celebration featured a range of equestrian performances and cultural displays.

President Ram Chandra Paudel attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest. Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, chiefs of security agencies, representatives of diplomatic missions, and other senior officials were present on the occasion.

The program included horse racing, show jumping, charger demonstrations, historical presentations on the use of horses in military operations, mounted assaults, and fire jumps.

On the occasion, President Paudel honored outstanding performers with different awards.

Ghodejatra is observed every year on the new moon day of the dark fortnight in the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April).

According to folklore, the festival is celebrated to subdue the spirit of Gurumapa, a mythical figure believed to have once terrorized the locals of the Kathmandu Valley. The ritual of horse parades and performances is associated with the belief that the sound and movement of horses help prevent any harm from the spirit. As part of the tradition, food is also offered on the night of the festival to appease Gurumapa.