Book Fair In Dhaka

Nepal Celebrates “Ghode Jatra”, The Horse Racing Day

The Nepal Army Cavalry performs stunts during the ''Ghode Jatra'' celebration at the Army Pavilion in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 29, 2025. ''Ghode Jatra,'' which means ''Fair of Horses'' in Nepali, is a traditional festival observed in Chaitra, the last month of the Nepali Bikram Sambat, and holds deep historical and cultural significance. Nepal annually marks Ghode Jatra on the day of Chaitra Krishna Aunsi according to the lunar calendar. In the Nepali language, 'Ghode' refers to 'of horses,' and 'Jatra' refers to a type of festival. Combining these terms, Ghode Jatra is meant to be a festival of horses or a horse festival. It is believed to have originated after the death of a demon named Tundi, who terrorized the people living in what is now Tundikhel. According to legend, after Tundi's demise, people celebrate by racing horses over his body, symbolizing their triumph over evil. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)