Ghode Jatra

Ghode Jatra or the festival of horse is held on-the fourteenth of the dark half of the Chaitra (sometime in March or April).  The festival has two sides of its celebration.  Its cultural side involves the Newars of Kathmandu who celebrate it for several days.  The idols of the gods of many localities are taken in a procession in their area in portable chariots.  Every household is feasting at this time.  A demon called 'Gurumumpa' is also propitiated at this time in Tundikhel.  This festival is called Pahachare.  The other aspect of the festival is provided by the function organised by the Royal Nepalese Army at Tundikhel in the afternoon of the main day.  

The celebration of Ghodejatra connects to a popular legend which says that the people of Kathmandu defeated an evil demon by burying it on the site that is now the Tundikhel parade ground. As the legend goes on it is therefore commonly believed that unless the ground is trampled on by horse each year, the demon will rise again wreaking a terrible vengeance on the people. Thus each year, the Ghode  jatra horse festival sees horse and riders from the Nepalese army performing incredible stunts and riding exhibitions at the showground which among other includes motorcycle displays, culture performances and gymnastic demonstrations. A meeting of Lumadi, Bhadrakali, Kankeshwari and Bhairab takes place during the day time at the main celebration at Ason and Nepal’s living goddess the Kumari is brought to grace the event on her portable chariot.

Glance of Nepal