Ghode Jatra is being celebrated across the capital today, bringing together a mix of military display and deep-rooted cultural traditions in the Kathmandu Valley.
At Tundikhel, the Nepal Army is hosting the festival’s main event, featuring horse races, acrobatic performances, and aerial displays. The অনুষ্ঠান is attended by senior government officials, diplomats, and security personnel, while large crowds gather around the grounds to watch the spectacle.
The festival, observed annually in mid-March or early April, is tied to the legend of a demon named Tundi, believed to have once terrorised the city. Folklore holds that the thunder of horse hooves during Ghode Jatra keeps the demon’s spirit under control, symbolically protecting Kathmandu.
Alongside the state-led event, the day is also part of Pahan Charhe, an important Newar festival marked by rituals, feasts, and processions. Across the city, communities carry idols of mother goddesses through narrow streets, accompanied by traditional music and gatherings.
A key ritual includes the assembly of these deities at Tundikhel, where ceremonial exchanges take place, reflecting long-standing traditions of communal worship. Other cultural practices in places like Patan add to the diversity of the celebrations.
While Ghode Jatra has evolved into a formal national event over time, its cultural and mythological roots remain central. The festival continues to reflect Kathmandu’s layered history, where public spectacle and tradition come together in a shared space.