Gaijatra, also known as the “Festival of Cows,” is one of Nepal’s unique and culturally significant festivals. The festival, which is largely celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley, takes place in August or September, depending on the lunar calendar. Gaijatra has a unique place in the hearts of Nepalese, especially the Newar community because it combines humor, sarcasm, and nostalgia.
What is Gaijatra?
Gaijatra is a festival honoring past members of the family. The term “Gaijatra” comes from two Nepali words: “Gai,” meaning cow, and “Jatra,” meaning festivities. The celebration features a parade where cows or young kids dressed as cows march through the city. This ceremony is belived to guide the spirits of those who passed away to afterlife.
The History and Significance of Gaijatra
Gaijatra goes back to ancient time and is profoundly defined in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The celebration came to popularity under King Pratap Malla’s reign from 1641 to 1671 AD. The king’s queen was devastated following their son’s Chakravartendra Malla death, and despite several tries, she could not be consoled. To console her, the king ordered every family who had lost a loved one throughout the year to march in a parade with a cow. He believed that seeing the shared pain would help the queen understand that she was not alone in her suffering.
The king also encouraged individuals to dress up in funny clothes and perform sarcastic acts, which brought laughter and joy back to the palace. This tradition of blending sadness with comedy continues to exist over the years, making Gaijatra a time for both reflection and lightheartedness.
How is Gaijatra Celebrated?
Gaijatra is defined by a variety of marches, performances, and ceremonies that represent both the sad and joyful parts of the celebration. The day begins with families who have lost a loved one marching in a cow parade. If a cow is not available, a young kid costumed as one is used as a replacement. The parade goes through the city streets, mainly in the ancient districts of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan.
One of the most interesting parts of Gaijatra is the heritage of comedy and sarcasm. Throughout the festival, participants perform comedy shows, songs, and dances that mimic social and political themes, generally with a sarcastic tone. This freedom of expression, which is generally prohibited, is celebrated at Gaijatra, bringing the community together to laugh at their problems and challenges.
In Bhaktapur, the festival is much more breathtaking, with huge marches, colorful carriages, and masked dances honoring the Newar community’s traditional past.
Conclusion
Gaijatra is more than simply a festivity; it is a powerful cultural representation of the Nepalese people’s determination and capacity to find comedy in tragedy. It serves as a reminder of death’s unavoidable nature while inspiring us to live life with pleasure and laughter. Gaijatra, with its unique blend of sadness and joy, remains an important element of Nepal’s rich cultural fabric, bringing people together for a shared experience of remembering, reflecting, and celebrating.
Also read: Raksha Bandhan, A Festival of Love and Protection
