Gai Jatra is the festival of cows. Gai means Cow and Jatra means Festival in Nepali. Gai Jatra is celebrated in Nepal, mainly in Kathmandu valley by the Newar community and this festival generally falls in the month of Bhadra, which correspond to English calendar months of August/September.
It is one of the most popular festivals in Nepal and we have a public holiday on this day in Kathmandu valley.
Today along with few other Local Guides, we visited Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Bhaktapur where there was a huge celebration of Gai Jatra Festival. I tried to capture some photos of Gai Jatra Festival in Bhaktapur with my Canon EOS 80D, it was really hard since there was a huge number of crowds. I am posting those photos here and I hope to get your valuable comments, suggestions, and feedback.
(Gai Jatra is a carnival of dancing, singing, mirth, and laughter. The festival of cow is celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley to commemorate the death of loved ones. As part of the festival family members of the deceased of the past year send people dressed as cows to parade on the streets. The festival usually falls in July or August.
Gai Jatra is a time to remember lost ones and also to ease the pain. The word “Gai” means cow in English. Cow is regarded as the goddess of wealth in Hindu religion. Sharing of sorrow and taking the comfort in knowing that their lost ones are safe is the true reason for celebrating this festival. "WelcomeNepal").
@NirajBhusal Thanks for sharing this. It is certainly very interesting to read about celebrations in other countries, especially unique ones like Gai Jatra. One of the photos above has many people standing on a small building or hill carrying umbrellas. What place is that and is there some meaning for many people to be standing up there?
For the case that has difficulty, in reading my answer, in the upper left part of the screen, in the drop-down menu of languages, you can select the language, in which you want to read the post.
Wow, this is truly an amazing post. It looks very festive and fun!
It is very nice knowing in some places like Nepal, they still keep their tradition going for years. Do you have a special dish that people make especially for this celebration?
Your photos are getting better and better! Thanks for sharing about this festival. I like seeing the joy on everyone’s faces and how colorful it all is.
I am so happy that you liked my post along with the photos taken by me. Gai Jatra is a popular festival in Nepal celebrated by the Newari Community. It is also known as the festival of honoring the departed soul and moving ahead with life. Newari food items are popular in Nepal so during these festival they take these Newari Foods and I am sure you will love to taste it.
Wow then I will be your Guide in Nepal @AngieYC . The must visit places in Nepal are Kathmandu Valley (Durbar Squares , Swayambhunath, Boudhanath ) , Nagarkot , Pokhara (Boating in Phewa Lake, Paragliding), Lumbini.
If you love to view mountains then ABC trek would be the best one for you .
Also, you can try Bungy jump and rafting at Bhote Koshi .
