KATHMANDU: Ghode Jatra is being celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley today.

According to the lunar calendar, this festival falls on the eighth day of the waning moon in the month of Chaitra.

Legend has it that Gurumapa, a demon residing in the east-south direction of Tundikhel, used to dwell on a tree and prey on the city’s children.

Despite various attempts by the locals to defeat him, the spirit of the demon resurfaced, causing fear among the children once again.

Every year on the eighth day of the waning moon in Chaitra, Gurumapa’s spirit is symbolically subdued by the pounding of the ground with the hooves of horses.

Additionally, to safeguard the city’s children, offerings are made to Gurumapa under the same tree tonight.

This tradition is believed to instill confidence in the safety of the children from Gurumapa throughout the year.

The Nepali Army organizes various activities such as horse-riding, motorcycle racing, physical exercises, martial arts demonstrations, etc., in Tundikhel.

On the occasion of Ghode Jatra, the government has declared a public holiday in the Kathmandu Valley.