Ghode Jatra, iconically known as the Horse Racing Day is a vibrant holiday celebrated in the country of Nepal specifically in the Kathmandu valley by the Newar community. The holiday takes place annually around the month of March or April in the Tundikhel parade ground in the heart of Kathmandu city. With history deeply rooted in the traditions and folklore of Nepal, Ghode Jatra honors the spirits of the deceased over the past year and aims to ensure their peaceful departure into the afterlife.
The highlight of Ghode Jatra involves a grand horse parade, performed by the Nepal army and police force, in tune with the holiday's name which translates to Horse Parade Day. Apart from horse races and parades, the people also indulge in other thrilling sports like bicycle races and acrobatics. The horses are seen as the central figures, with the belief that the galloping horses keep the malicious spirits away, providing a purifying effect overall.
Ghode Jatra is not just a public holiday; it is a day filled with legends and religious significance for the people of Nepal. Amid all the races and merriment, people also arrange feasts and remember their departed loved ones paying them homage. In its essence, the festival is not only an occasion of joy and entertainment but also a time to honor traditions, community bonds, and pay tribute to late relatives and ancestors.