Kathmandu: The traditional Ghode Jatra festival is being celebrated across the Kathmandu Valley today with various cultural and ceremonial programs. The government has declared a public holiday in the valley to mark the occasion.

Grand Celebration at Tundikhel
The Nepali Army is organizing a special program at Tundikhel this afternoon. The event will feature horse racing, horsemanship displays, motorcycle stunts, physical exercises, and martial arts performances.

The ceremony is expected to be attended by the President, Prime Minister, and other high-ranking officials.

Cultural and Mythological Significance
According to tradition, the festival is linked to the legend of a demon named ‘Gurumapa’, who is believed to have terrorized the city in ancient times. Locals are said to have defeated the demon by trampling him with horses, and the annual horse parade is celebrated as a symbol of that victory and to ward off evil spirits.

Celebrations Beyond Kathmandu
Ghode Jatra is also observed in Patan, where similar traditions are followed. It is widely believed that the sound of horses’ hooves helps dispel negative energy and protect the community.

The Nepali Army has been organizing this festival with national importance every year, preserving its cultural heritage and historical significance.