What is Gai Jatra?

Gai Jatra is celebrated a day after Janai Purnimain Nepal. Newars believe that Yamaraj, the God of Death, opens the gates of judgment on this day allowing departed souls to enter. This festival honors cows (gai) who are believed to lead departed souls to Yamaraj. On this day cows are lead through the streets of Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur and other Newar towns in the memory of those who died the preceding year. Young boys dress up in fancy cow costumes and parade around the city. In Bhaktapur this festival is also known as Gunhi Punhi. Here men go around town in funny costumes. Satirical street performances are performed and newspapers and magazines also publish sarcastic articles.

Please visit ExoticBuddha Calendar for exact festival dates.

To view some of the photos of the festival, please visit this and this link

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