Kathmandu: The traditional Gaijatra festival, also known as the "cow festival," is being celebrated in the three cities of Kathmandu Valley and other parts of the country. The festival, rich in fun, humor, and satire, lasts for eight days and generally begins on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra, according to the lunar calendar.

The festival is marked by people of all ages dressing up as cows and lunatics, donning eccentric costumes, and parading through the city. This procession honors those who have passed away in the past year. Families who have lost loved ones offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the parade, including those dressed as cows.

Gaijatra has its roots in a religious belief that the deceased, on their journey to heaven, must cross a legendary river by holding onto the tail of a cow. The festival is believed to have originated during the reign of King Pratap Malla. The king introduced the tradition to console his queen, who was devastated by the death of their son during a smallpox epidemic. The king encouraged people to organize humorous and satirical performances to alleviate the queen's grief.

Since then, Gaijatra has become a platform for people to express their feelings about social and political issues through comic skits, cartoons, and other forms of satire.

The festival is not only celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley but also in other parts of Nepal, including Banepa, Dhulikhel, Trishuli, Dolakha, Khotang, Bhojpur, Chainpur, Ilam, Dharan, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Bahrabise, Hetauda, and Pokhara. The government has declared a public holiday in the Kathmandu Valley today in honor of the festival.