KATHMANDU – The Kathmandu Valley is alive with the vibrant tradition of Ghode Jatra today, a festival steeped in legend and devoted to protecting the city’s children. The festival observed on the eighth day of the waning moon in the month of Chaitra as per the lunar calendar, commemorates the triumph over Gurumapa, a demon who once terrorized the city.
According to folklore, Gurumapa resided in a tree in Tundikhel and preyed upon children. To vanquish him, locals pounded the ground with horse hooves symbolically on this day each year. Offerings are also made to appease Gurumapa’s spirit, ensuring the safety of children throughout the year.
The Nepalese Army plays a central role in the festivities, organizing thrilling displays of horsemanship, motorcycle racing, and martial arts in Tundikhel. The government has declared a public holiday in the Kathmandu Valley to mark the occasion.
