highlight of Gai Jatra 2081, Chapagaon, lalitpur

Gai Jatra, also known as the “Cow Festival,” is a significant cultural event in Nepal, particularly in the Kathmandu Valley. This festival is deeply rooted in Hindu traditions and involves the worship of cows, which are revered as symbols of motherhood and the earth.
The origins of Gai Jatra date back to the reign of King Pratap Malla (1641-1674 AD). The festival was initiated by the king to console his grieving queen after the death of their young son. Despite the king’s efforts to comfort her, the queen remained inconsolable. To help her understand that death is a natural part of life and that many families experience similar losses, the king ordered a procession where every family who had lost a loved one in the past year would parade through the streets with a cow or a child dressed as a cow. This act was meant to symbolize the journey of the deceased to the afterlife, guided by the sacred cow.
During Gai Jatra, people also worship Yamraj, the god of death, and celebrate with music, dance, and humorous performances. The festival serves as a way for the community to come together, share their grief, and find solace in collective mourning and celebration.