Shree King’s Household Cavalry. Nepalese cavalry that existed since the 19th century. by Bijaya Chaurasiya
Ghode Jatra is a major cultural festival celebrated annually only in Kathmandu district of Nepal. It is celebrated on the day of the new moon of the Nepali month of Chaitra and usually falls in late March or early April. The festival is primarily a celebration of the end of the winter season and the beginning of spring and is supposedly the last festival of the Nepali Calendar.
One of the main highlights of the festival is a grand procession of horses, which takes place at the Tundikhel ground, a large open ground in the heart of Kathmandu. The event is graced by the President of Nepal along with other dignitaries like the Prime Minister of Nepal, the Head of Nepal Army and Armed Police Forces plus several foreign convoys.
Ghode Jatra is also associated with the worship of the goddess Taleju Bhawani, the protectress of the Kathmandu Valley.
What is the history of Ghode Jatra?
The history of Ghode Jatra in Nepal can be traced back to the Malla dynasty, which ruled over the Kathmandu Valley from the 12th to the 18th century. According to legend, the festival originated during the reign of King Pratap Malla in the mid-17th century.
It is said that the king wanted to drive the spirit of a demon called “Tundi” away who was causing havoc in the Kathmandu Valley for a long time. To do this, he ordered a grand horse race to be held at Tundikhel. There is a belief that the parade of horses at Tundikhel keeps the demon’s spirit away. The faster the horses run, the better Tundi’s spirit is dispelled.
Over time, the festival evolved to include other cultural and religious elements, such as the worship of the goddess Taleju Bhawani, who played a role in subduing the demon. Today, the festival is celebrated by people of all ethnic backgrounds and religions in Nepal, and it is considered to be an important part of the country’s cultural heritage.
How does the celebration of Ghode Jatra Begin?
Ghode Jatra is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor in Nepal, and only in the Kathmandu Valley. The Jatra is primarily a one-day festival in Nepal, but among the Newar community, it is celebrated for a total of eight days. This period is known as “Ashtami” and begins four days before the full moon day of the Nepali month of Chaitra (March/April).
During the eight days, the Newars engage in various cultural and religious activities, including the worship of their ancestors, performing masked dances, and preparing special Newar delicacies. The horse racing and the grand procession of horses take place on the last day of the festival, which is the main day of the celebration. Overall, the eight-day period of Ghode Jatra among the Newars is a time of community bonding, cultural exchange, and religious observance.
During Ghode Jatra, the Newars don their traditional attire paired with golden jewelry. Women wear Haku Patasi, a black saree with a red border while men wear Daura Suruwal (a double-breasted shirt and a pair of trousers) and a Topi (a Nepali cap). They organize and perform various masked dances on the occasion, which are known as “Galu Juju”. These dances are performed in public places to drive away evil spirits and usher good luck into the lives of performers and spectators too.
They cook an array of special delicacies for the main day of the festival, including “Yomari” (a type of dumpling filled with molasses and sesame seeds) and “Saila” (fried rice flour bread). These dishes are traditionally prepared during the festival and are shared with friends and family.
They offer puja (worship) to the spirits of their deceased relatives with the belief that doing it will bring good fortune and prosperity to their families.
What major temples are worshipped in Ghode Jatra?
Several temples in Nepal are worshipped during Ghode Jatra, and the number may vary depending on the region and community. However, three main temples in Kathmandu are considered the focal points of the festival and attracts devotees in hundreds on the occasion.
- Taleju Bhawani Temple: This temple is located in the Kathmandu Durbar Square and is dedicated to the goddess Taleju, the tutelary goddess of Kathmandu Valley. The temple is an important site for worship during Ghode Jatra, and special puja (worship) ceremonies are held here on the festival.
- Bhadrakali Temple: This temple is located in the southern part of Kathmandu and is dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali, an incarnation of the ferocious goddess Kali. The temple is another important site for worship during Ghode Jatra, and it is believed that worshipping her brings good fortune and prosperity.
- Hanuman Dhoka Temple: This temple is located in the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square and is dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman, the Monkey God. The temple is an important site for worship during Ghode Jatra, and it is believed that worshipping here brings protection from evil spirits and negative energy.
How is the ceremony celebrated in Tudikhel?
Tundikhel is a large open ground in the center of Kathmandu, where the main celebration of the calvary and horse parade takes place. The celebration at Tundikhel is one of the most significant events that attract hundreds of people every year.
Here’s how Ghode Jatra is celebrated at Tundikhel:
Horse Racing: The main event of Ghode Jatra on Tundikhel is the horse racing competition, where riders from different parts of Kathmandu Valley compete against each other. The horses are beautifully decorated with colorful ribbons and bells, and the riders display their skills and expertise in horse riding. The event is traditionally inaurgurated by the President of Nepal.
Grand Procession: A grand procession is held prior the horse race, where a large number of people, including members of the Nepal Army, Nepal Armed Police Force, and other government officials, march along the streets of Kathmandu with traditional music and dance performances. The procession concludes at Tundikhel and the rest of the events take place therefore.
Military Parade: Following the horse race, a military parade the Tundikhel attended by various military units, including the Nepal Army, Nepal Armed Police Force, and other security forces. The parade includes a display of military equipment and weapons, as well as various cultural performances.
Food and Festivities: Throughout the day, there are various food and drink stalls at the venue, offering traditional Nepali cuisine and refreshments. Many other recreational activities like games and rides for children, traditional musical shows, dance performances etc.
Overall, the celebration of Ghode Jatra at Tundikhel is a grand spectacle that exhibits the rich cultural heritage of Nepal and is an important event for the people of Kathmandu Valley.
In recent years, the Ghode Jatra festival has become a popular tourist attraction, with visitors from around the world coming to witness the colorful and vibrant celebrations.
