Ghode Jatra celebration at Tundikhel

KATHMANDU: Ghode Jatra, also known as the Horse Racing Day, was celebrated in Kathmandu on Sunday, holding a special program at Tundikhel in which the Nepal Army cavalry team performed different equestrian stunts.

According to a long-established public faith, the demon who lived on a meadow, which is now the Tundikhel, used to unleash terror in Kathmandu, particularly to children. After his death, people rejoiced by dancing on his body by riding horses. There is also a belief that the parade of horses at Tundikhel keeps the demon’s spirit away. The horse parade, religiously known as Aswa Yatra, is also organized to welcome the New Year.

The government has granted a public holiday on the occasion within the Valley.

Here are some photos exhibiting today’s grand celebration where the country’s senior dignitaries including President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota, Chief Justice Cholenra Shumsher JBR were present to witness the ceremony.

Republica