Today, we are observing Ghode Jatra, the festival of horses! Ghode jatra, the horse-racing day doesnt have a lot of religious ceremonies, but the horse parade is a big & centre of attraction which hooks & fascinate people always!! A grand horse parade takes place in the afternoon at Tundikhel, the central point of the city reputed to have been in the former days the largest parade ground in Asia.. It is said that in the olden days the Kings of Kathmandu use to go to worship the Bhadrakali temple in a courtly cavalcade following the Living Goddess Kumari. This visit could have been modified into the parade of horses and finally the horse athletics and racing contest as it is today, held by the army in the presence of the President! Legend reveals that this festival was held to celebrate the victory over a demon named Tundi who resided over the meadow, today known as Tundikhel. Tundi was a terror, so when he met with his death people rejoiced by dancing on his body with horses. So its believed that the clamor of horses hooves on Ghode Jatra at Tundikhel keeps the demons sprit at bay as it still threatens to ruin the city. Its said, the faster the horses run quicker will Tundis spirit be dispelled. The swift running of the horses on this day is also considered to be a good omen for the Nepalese people.. I think the culture should be progressive! I dont like the way horses are treated in Ghode jatra! People make horses jump in the fire thats not good at all! It is not fair that in the name of bravery, horses are commodified! Anyways, have a cultural & decent Ghode Jatra, my friends!
Posted on: Sun, 30 Mar 2014 03:34:16 +0000