Gaijatra festival observed with fanfare to commemorate the deceased people

Gaijatra, a cultural festival mainly belonging to the Newar community of Kathmandu Valley was observed on Sunday with various programmess marked by rituals, fun and humor.

Gaijatra is observed annually to commemorate those who have passed away within the past year.

Traditionally, cows—or people dressed as cows—parade through the streets, and people offer them milk, fruits, beaten rice, traditional bread, curd, grains, and money. These offerings are believed to aid the departed souls in their after life journey.

The festival’s origin dates back to the reign of King Pratap Malla, (mid-17th century King of Kathmandu) who introduced it to console his grieving queen after the death of their son during a smallpox epidemic. To ease her sorrow, the king encouraged citizens to perform humorous and satirical acts in public, highlighting that death is a universal human experience.

Over time, Gaijatra evolved into a platform for satirical expression, often used to comment on political and social issues. The government has declared a public holiday in the Kathmandu Valley today to mark the occasion.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Trans-sexual and Inter-sex (LGBTI) community of Nepal observed the Gaijatra or Cow Festival in a special way on Sunday. Maya Ko Pahichan and Blue Diamond Society (BDS), the organizations working for the rights and welfare of the sexual and gender minority communities of Nepal, organized separate rallies in Kathmandu marking the Gaijatra Festival. They organized colourful parades in Kathmandu to commemorate the members of the LGBTI community who died in the past year. The occasion was also marked the National Pride Day.

They displayed placards demanding equal rights, political representation and welfare for the sexual and gender minority community of Nepal. 

One organized by Mayako Pahichan started from Thamel and the other organized by BDS started from Naxal ended at Basantapur area of Kathmandu and the programme concluded with musical concerts and dance by the LGBTI community.