Kathmandu, March 18
The traditional Ghode Jatra festival is being celebrated today in the Kathmandu Valley on the day of Chaitra Krishna Aunsi. According to popular belief, a demon named Gurumapa, who lived in a tree located in the southeastern part of Tundikhel, used to prey on children in the city. Although locals eventually managed to destroy him through various means, there remained a fear that his spirit could return and harm children again.
For this reason, every year on this day, the Ghode Jatra festival is observed by trampling the spirit of Gurumapa with the hooves of horses to suppress it. There is also a long-standing tradition of offering food to Gurumapa at the base of the same tree at night to ensure that no harm comes to children in the city.
On this occasion, the Nepali Army organises demonstrations at Tundikhel, including horse riding skills, motorcycle stunts, physical exercises, and martial displays. The Ghode Jatra ceremony at Tundikhel is attended by the President Ram Chandra Paudel, Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, and other constitutional officials.
Similarly, in Lalitpur, the festival is marked by the traditional practice of racing a one-eyed horse on this day.
—RSS
