Gaijatra

Nepal is a naturally gifted, beautiful country with geographical diversity and is culturally affluent. Almost every day is significant for fasts and festivals in the year. Gaijatra is the most important festival in Nepal. The festival of "Gai Jatra," the procession of cows, is generally celebrated in the Nepalese month of Bhadra (late July or early August). The Festival of Cows is one of the most popular festivals in Nepal. The festival has its roots in the ancient age when people feared and worshipped Yamaraj, "the god of death." The Gaijatra festival began in the medieval period of Nepal during the reign of the Malla Kings. According to folklore, every family who has lost a relative(s) during the past year must participate in a procession through the streets of Kathmandu leading a cow. If a cow is not available, then a young boy dressed as a cow is considered a fair substitute. After the procession is over, people take part in another age-old tradition in which the participants dress up and wear masks. Songs, jokes, mockery, and humor of all kinds fill the occasion, becoming the norm until late evening. This year the Gaijatra festival falls on 9-Sarwan-2081, or 9th August 2025.