Gai Jatra is a festival celebrated in Nepal, mainly in Kathmandu Valley by the Newar community. The festival commemorates the death of people during the year and is generally celebrated in the month of Bhadra (August–September). The date is set according to the lunar Nepal Era calendar: Gai Jatra falls on the first day of the dark fortnight of the month of Gunla. The festival is celebrated as a remembrance of the dead people during the year. It is believed that the cow helps the departed soul to continue their journey to heaven.
After breakfast, your travel guide will come to pick you up and travel to Kathmandu, Lalitpur, or Bhaktapur depending on your decision. In Kathmandu, the bereaved families proceed along the route individually whereas in Patan the participants gather in Durbar Square and proceed out together. In Bhaktapur, tall bamboo poles topped with horns that are tied with straw are carried around the street in memory of dead relatives. Dancing, Singing, Comedy, and anything other that brings humor and laughter, are the main highlights of the festival. After enjoying the festival, you will return to your hotel.
