KATHMANDU: The traditional Ghode Jatra festival is being celebrated today in the Kathmandu Valley.
According to legend, a demon named Gurumapa, who resided in a tree in the east-southeast part of Tundikhel, terrorized the city by abducting and eating children.
Despite the locals ultimately killing the demon, they feared its spirit might return to harm the children.
To prevent this, the Ghode Jatra festival is observed every year on “Chaitra Krishna Aunsi”, where horses are raced across Tundikhel to symbolically trample the spirit of Gurumapa.
Additionally, food is offered at the base of the same tree at night to appease the spirit and ensure the safety of the city’s children.
As part of the celebrations, the Nepali Army will showcase various equestrian sports, motorcycle stunts, physical exercises, and martial arts performances at Tundikhel in Kahtmandu.
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