The traditional festival of Gaijatra was observed in Kathmandu and other parts in Nepal on Sunday, August 14.

The festival began began during the reign of king Pratap malla. The king started it to console his queen who was grieving at the death of their son by smallpox. The king ordered people who had lost members of their family in that year to perform various stunts to cheer themselves and others on the street.

During Gaijatra, people are made to look like cow by painting on their face and wearing painted dress. The day is also a government  holiday. This festival is specially celebrated by the Newar community, to commemorate the depar
ted souls.

Family members of those who died during the year offers fruits, biscuits, bitten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the procession, including the cows. (Photo Credits – Shivajee Pradhan)