Gai Jatra, also known as the ‘’cow festival,’’ is one of the promising Hindu festivals of Nepal. This festival commemorates the death of loved ones. It is celebrated in Kathmandu Valley, particularly in the cities of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan. Blended with joy and sorrow, this festive holds emotional significance to the Nepalese.
‘’Gai Jatra” the name reflects the role of the cow in the festival. In Hindu belief, cows are known for guiding the souls of the deceased to the afterlife. During the festival, families who have lost loved ones lead a cow or a child dressed as a cow in a parade through the streets. This act symbolizes an act of cow guiding the departed soul to a safe afterlife.
Mainly celebrated by the Newar community of Nepal, the festival holds a special place and is highly regarded by all citizens of Nepal. Once again, All the Nepalese are looking forward to the celebration of Gai Jatra on 20th August 2024 (as per Nepali date: 2081/05/04, which is Bhadra 4th).
The backstory of the Gai Jatra Celebration: How Gai Jatra started?
In the 17th century, When King Pratap Malla lost his beloved son, the Queen was deeply saddened. Regardless of the king's best efforts, he was unable to comfort his heartbroken wife. Of his desire to see her smile again, he declared about the cow parade event.
The King suggested every family with lost members participate in the event. The idea behind this act was to indulge the realization that death is inevitable. However, this event became more than grief, and the participants added humorous elements. Witnessing the collective sorrow and the humor used to cope with the pain, the queen smiled, and the event succeeded.
The accomplishment of this gathering turned out to be more than a one-time thing. With this resilient ambiance of the festive, King decided to do this annually to sustain the hopes and beliefs of the people. This started the century-old Gai Jatra celebration to be an annual celebration.
How do people celebrate Gai Jatra in Nepal?
During this time, families from different homes who have lost loved ones in the past year lead a cow through the street. In families without cows, a child is dressed as a cow to play the role of guide for the departed soul. The cow is said to aid the departed relative’s passage to heaven.
This gathering involves street cultural performances with dance and music, parades, and offerings to the beloved ones. Families offer food, flowers, and other sacred items for the loved ones who have passed away. These activities represent a sense of appreciation and spiritual strength of life.
Significance of Gai Jatra Festival: realization about the fact of life
The festival is mainly about remembrance of the loved ones who have passed away. This celebration reflects the prominent traditions, beliefs, and endurance strength of every Nepali. It plays a key part in showcasing the cultural identity of the Newar community.
The humorous sessions associated with the Gai Jatra festival support the grieving, honor the deceased, and celebrate life’s continuity. It reflects the shared support during times of grief between each Nepali.
In 2024, as Gai Jatra enters the streets of Kathmandu Valley again, it will remind every family home to appreciate each other’s presence. Once again, the families will be struck by the realization of life and the afterlife. Sorrows and happiness are shared among each other while healing through hope processes.
Why should you experience this festival?
Gai Jatra is an exceptional festival in Nepal to be part of. The festival offers insights into Nepali culture, tradition, resilience, and strength of the vibrant community. This wholesome festivity helps people face the fact of death and prepare for life beyond death. It provides a blend of reverence, remembrance, and joy.
Attending Gai Jatra is participating in the reflective festival that represents the Nepalese spirit as a whole. It is a way of celebrating life, bonds, sorrow, joy, and happiness. This festival is a portion of a window that signifies the endurance, power, rich culture, and engraved hopes of Nepali.
Final words
Gai Jatra is an excellent festival of Nepal to be part of. It is a one-day celebration that celebrates the life of departed ones. Similarly, this wholesome festivity helps people face the fact of death and prepare for life beyond death.
