Gai Jatra
The festival of “Gai Jatra” (the procession of cows) which is one of the most popular festivals, is generally celebrated in the Nepalese month of Bhadra. In the Gregorian calendar this day falls on the late Auguest. It is said people in ancient time started worshiping Yamaraj,”the god of death” on this day.
Traditionally every family who had death in the family during the preceding year must participate in a procession through the streets of Kathmandu leading a cow. If a cow is unavailable then a young kids dressed as cow is considered a fair substitute. However, there started tradition of leading a cow with kids in funny costumes.
In the present day, it is celebrated also as a humor and satire day also when various comedy shows, acts and dramas are performed.
Do: visit the Kathmandu, Patan or Bhaktapur Durbar square, Thamel, Indrachowk and Ason Markets to see kids and teen boys roaming around the city dressed as cows. Take part in the various comedy functions that will be organized on this day.