KATHMANDU: Ghode Jatra, also known as Horse Racing Day, is being observed in the Kathmandu Valley today.
The government has given a public holiday on the occasion within the Valley.
A special program is being organized at the Army Pavilion in which a Nepal Army cavalry team performs different equestrian stunts. President Bidya Devi Bhandari has been invited as the chief guest of the program.
Public belief has it that the demon, who lived on a meadow, which is now at Tundikhel, used to unleash terror in Kathmandu, particularly children.
There is a belief that the parade of horses at Tundikhel keeps the demon’s spirit away. The faster the horses run, the better Tundi’s spirit is dispelled.
The horse parade, religiously known as Aswa Yatra, is also organized to welcome the New Year.
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