Gai Jatra festival, also known as the Cow Festival, is a vibrant and lively celebration filled with dancing, singing, and laughter, making it one of the most significant festivals in Nepal, particularly in the Kathmandu Valley. Gai Jatra festival is dedicated to honouring and remembering loved ones who have passed away in the past year. As part of the tradition, families who have lost someone send people, often children, dressed as cows to participate in a procession through the streets. Gai Jatra festival is a unique event that typically occurs in July or August.
The word “Gai” means “cow” in English, and in Hinduism, cows are revered as symbols of wealth and prosperity. Gai Jatra festival serves a dual purpose: it honours the deceased and offers solace to the grieving by providing a sense of communal support. Gai Jatra festival encourages the sharing of sorrow and helps ease the pain of loss by affirming that the souls of the departed are at peace.
However, Gai Jatra festival is not solely about mourning; it is also a celebration of life. The day is marked by a vibrant parade where participants wear colourful and eccentric costumes, creating an atmosphere of joy and humour. In Bhaktapur, the Gai Jatra festival extends over eight days, featuring a variety of activities and performances that add to the festive spirit.
The origins of Gai Jatra date back to the era of the Malla rulers. According to legend, a Malla queen was deeply saddened by the untimely death of her son. In an effort to console her, the king invited every family who had lost a loved one to join a procession. This collective display of mourning helped the queen realize that she was not alone in her grief. Over time, the festival transformed into a joyous occasion, where the procession, filled with laughter and jest, winds through the streets, turning grief into communal support and celebration.
What does Gai jatra mean?
The literal meaning of gai is “cow” and jatra is a “march” or “festival”. The concept of Gaijatra is not about worshipping death or mocking death but is about accepting it.
Who introduced Gai Jatra in Nepal?
Gai Jatra festival was initiated by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century as a way to cope with a personal tragedy. The king declared that anyone who could make the grieving queen smile after the death of her son would be rewarded. Sarcastic and comedic performances eventually succeeded in making the queen laugh, leading King Pratap Malla to establish it as an annual celebration.
Why is Gai Jatra celebrated?
Gai Jatra festival is celebrated to pay homage to the deceased family members and to share the grief of the family. It started during the reign of King Pratap Malla when his queen could not cope with the demise of their son Prince Chakravatendra Malla, The commoners came out with a cow procession and also attempted to make the queen smile through comic performances as per the King’s command. The procession and comedy performances/competitions continue to date.
What is done with cows at Gai Jatra?
The cow is considered sacred and is worshipped as a mother in Hinduism. The reasoning behind the involvement of cows is that it is said that the cows help navigate the souls of the dead to heaven.
Gai Jatra holds significant importance in modern times as it fosters community bonds and provides a space for shared mourning and celebration. Participants often paint their faces as part of the ritual, and the festival also serves as a platform for peaceful political protests. In this way, Gai Jatra continues to be a vital and unifying tradition in Nepali culture.
The origins of Gai Jatra date back to the era of the Malla rulers. According to legend, a Malla queen was devastated by the untimely death of her son. To console her, the king invited every family who had lost a loved one to participate in a procession. This collective display of mourning helped the queen realize she was not alone in her suffering. Over time, the festival evolved into a joyous event, filled with laughter and jest, as the procession winds through the streets, transforming grief into communal support and celebration.
