Gai Jatra Celebrated in Panga, Kirtipur

Gai Jatra, the festival of cows, is celebrated in Nepal, mainly in Kathmandu Valley by the Newar and Tharu communities. The festival commemorates the death of people during the year. During the festival, cows are marched in the streets and generally celebrated in the Nepalese month of Bhadra (Aug–Sep). It falls on the 1st day of the dark fortnight of Gunia according to the lunar Nepal Era calendar. Peoples also distributes food to others. The Festival of cows is one of the most popular festivals in Nepal.

Bashing Respective Historic Tools having  religious importance by SAPARU(dancers)

Kirtipur is considered to have the most enjoyable Gaijatra among others in the Kathmandu Valley. The center of Gaijatra in Kirtipur falls in a part of the Kirtipur city known as Panga. The people in Kirtipur celebrating have many reasons to celebrate this festival and have a unique way of celebrating this festival. Among the people of Kirtipur, it is said that the gates of heaven for the dead are opened on this day, and the procession of Gaijatra will help their beloved to reach the gates of heaven if they march around the city for them. They march around the city of Kirtipur not dressing up like cows but rather dressed up in different forms of gods and goddesses. People celebrate this festival not only for their dead relatives but also for peace and harmony among family members and the city itself.

During this month the farmers of the city finish up their work in the fields and return home to celebrate the end of the hard and tedious work in the fields. They gather the family members and have a feast of their success. This culture is replicated in this festival in Kirtipur. Men dress up like women and travel around the city. They go from house to house calling up the owners of the house and asking them to come down and join in the feast with them. This helps to create harmony among the neighbors and the city members. Kirtipur performs many dances with different imitating artists that provide much of awe and happiness among the people. Kirtipur is enriched with many beliefs and many stories relating to Gaijatra than any other city of the valley and has a more diverse celebration of this festival.

Watch Glimpse of Festival - Gai Jatra: