Gaijatra (Literally meaning festival of cows) is celebrated in Nepal, mainly in Kathmandu valley by the Newar and Tharu community. It is celebrated for 8 days. The best and most enjoyable one is celebrate in Bhaktapur, my native town. Bhaktapur has its own unique way of celebrating this festival. A chariot (Known as Taha Macha) are made. It is made of bamboo frame, covered with cloths, umbrella on top, various jewelry and decorative things along with the photo of the dead person, hung in the center part of it. Taha Macha symbolize the dead person and is decorated with their possessions and photograph. Then the chariot are taken out into the street by the family, and is taken round town.
Along with taha macha, people perform and cultural dance known as Ghintang Geesi, on the rhythm of local musical instruments, especially Khing, Dhime and Dhalak. The dance is done in a long queue with two persons in a row hitting each other’s sticks. Everyone can perform this dance. Many tourists also enjoy performing this dance. There are many other dance forms like Maka Pyakha, Khyagora Pyakha which need special training to perform. People also dress up on funny looks, men dressing like women, face painting, masks are common. Children even dress up as gods, goddess and join the parade.
Among all the Taha Macha, there is one special Taha Macha made which symbolize the chariot of god Bhairav and known as Bhaila Dya. It is frameworked of bamboo, but covered in straws. The parade of Bhaila Dya, and others behind it, starts normally in 3-4 pm local time, and the main attraction to watch, especially when it make its round in Taumadi Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
The history behind the Gaijatra
According to the historical evidence, when King Pratap Malla lost his son, his wife, the queen, remained grief-stricken. The king was very sad to see the condition of his beloved queen. The king, in spite of several efforts, could not lessen the grief of his wife. He desperately wanted to see a little smile on the lips of his sweetheart, and so he announced that anyone who made the queen laugh would be rewarded adequately.
So guys, here is an invitation to Bhaktapur, Nepal for Gaijatra on August 8. Visit and have an amazing life experience.
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