Gaijatra Festival Brings Tradition, Satire, and Remembrance to Life Across Nepal

Photos: Beeju Maharjan / TDN

The traditional cultural festival Gaijatra celebrated annually for eight days from Bhadra Krishna Pratipada to Ashtami is being observed in various parts of the country, including Kirtipur, today.

Marking the memory of relatives who have passed away within the year, participants lead cows or dress as cows and parade through their localities. Along the way, devotees offer milk, fruits, bread, curd, food, and monetary donations. According to religious belief, such processions help the departed souls cross the mythical Baitarani River by holding onto the cow’s tail.

Historically, Gaijatra traces its origin to the reign of King Pratap Malla. Stricken with grief over the loss of his son, the king encouraged his mourning queen to witness processions of cows held in memory of deceased family members, hoping it would console her. When this failed, the queen invited farcical and satirical performances giving rise to Gaijatra’s enduring tradition of comedy and social critique.

The royal custom of having the cow procession pass through the Hanumandhoka Palace, established during Pratap Malla’s time, continues to this day. While Gaijatra is celebrated in cities across Nepal, the Kathmandu Valley remains the heart of its grandeur.

Throughout the festival, communities stage humorous skits, satirical commentaries on societal issues, cultural dances, and musical performances. In remembrance of the departed, melancholic verses from the Ramayana are also sung, blending grief with laughter in a unique celebration of life, loss, and resilience.