The Kathmandu Sunday observed the Ghodejatra festival with fanfare. To observe the festival, the Nepal Army presented a special program at the army pavilion in Tundikhel, Kathmandu, showcasing a spectacular display of horsemanship, motorcycle stunts, physical exercises, and martial arts.
The president, vice president, prime minister and other dignitaries were present at the ceremony.
As per a legend, a demon who lived in Tundikhel, used to create terror in Kathmandu, mainlly targeting children. After his death, people rejoiced by dancing on his body and riding horses.
Moreover, the horse parade also symbolizes a gesture of welcoming the Nepalese New Year. On the eve of Ghodejatra, on Saturday, Newar community of Kathmandu celebrate Pahachahre festival, in which a special preparation of samaybaji is prepared. The samaybaji is a typical Newari cuisine that includes beaten rice, black soybean, garlic, ginger, egg, meat along with bara, a bread made of black lentil.
