Horse Festival (Ghode Jatra

Ghode Jatra (Horse Riding festival)

Ghode Jatra the Festival of Horses or Parade of horses is a festival that is loved by many in Nepal. This festival also means Horse Racing Day. 

A grand horse parade takes place at Tundikhel, the central point of the Kathmandu city where many events take place. Legend has it that the demon Tundi was killed here. Ghode Jatra, the Horse Racing Day falls in mid-March or early April (5 April, 2019).

Tundi had terrorized people for a long time until one day he was slain and people rejoiced by riding horses over his body. So it’s believed that the clamour of horses’ hooves at Tundikhel during the festival of Ghode Jatra keeps the demon’s sprit at bay as it is believed he is still a threat to the city. 

It is said that the faster the horses run, the quicker Tundi’s spirit will be subdued; hence the horse racing and all the acrobatics at Tudikhel. The festival is attended by the army top brass, the top government officials and diplomats.

Huge crowds gather around Tudikhel to watch but they are not allowed to enter the Tudikhel. The army also takes it as an opportunity to display their skills as paratroopers drop down from planes flying close overhead.

FUNCTIONS DURING GHODE JATRA:

During Ghode Jatra the military of Nepal has a huge competitive sport of Horse racing, during this event, the military personnel also show various drills, stunts, and other various military talents. The band of military themselves also play in Tudhikhel in the presence of the Prime minister, Ministers and the Head of the country as well. Though before democracy Ghode Jatra used to only be shown in the presence of the King, Nowadays , it is shown to the Higher ups and the people who have influential political power in the country.

Ghode Jatra’s holiday used to only be given in valley itself, but nowadays as its fame has widespread among the entire country , It is a public holiday to the entire country , where in various places of the country, the army men of the particular area tend to show various stunts and drills to the local people.  

With these words, We would like to say Enjoy the event shown in Tudhikhel if you are in Kathmandu. Or Enquiry us for dates.