गाईजात्रा 2081 | Gaijatra 2081|

Intro:
गाईजात्रा २०८१ | GAIJATRA | #bhaktapurdurbarsquare #gaijatra
In the ancient city Bhaktapur, Gaijatra (गाईजात्रा) is a lively festival that celebrates the memory of those who have passed away. It started with King Pratap Malla in the 17th century, who grieving the loss of his son, asked his people to make him laugh to lift his spirits. The townspeople responded with a joyful parade of colorful and funny performances, which helped the king find some comfort.

Today, Gaijatra transforms Bhaktapur Durbar Square and the city's streets into a vibrant celebration. It's more than just a musical concert, it includes elaborate costumes, lively processions and traditional performances that bring the entire community together. The festival blend remembrance with joy, showcasing Bhaktapur's rich cultural heritage and strong community spirit.

Gaijatra is a festival of dancing, singing, mirth and laughter. The festival of cow is celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley to commemorate the death of loved ones. As part of the festival family members of the deceased of the past year send people mostly children. dressed as cows to parade on the streets. The festival usually falls in July or August.

It’s more like a chant that each of the participants does sing while playing Ghintang Gisi. The lyrics of Gaijatra goes like this:

ताहामचा गन त्ये
ग्वाखंप्वाले त्ये,
ग्वाखंप्वाले मन्ह्यो सा
खुसि चूइका छ्वोये ……

“Tahamacha Gana tye,
Gwakhanpwale tye,
Gwakhanpwale Manhyonsaa
Khusi Chuka Chhwe”

The phrase is actually a set of questions and answers, where the very first line asks a question stating, “Where should we put Tahamacha (the artificial cow)? Consequently, the following line answers it by saying, “On the hole made on the wall (There is a mere possibility yet one could still find such hole in older houses). Likewise, the third and fourth line says, “What if it does not fit on that hole, Simply submerged it in the river.”

Gai Jatra in Nepal has been more than just a mere celebratory occasion as it helps people accept the loss of their loved members into reality. Moreover, it also gives them the consolation of having a happy afterlife.

References:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gai_J...
https://ntb.gov.np/gai-jatra
https://www.bhaktapur.com/discover/ga...
https://abovethehimalaya.com/blog/gai...


Location:
Bhaktapur Durbar Square