Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel has observed the ‘Ghode Jatra Ceremony-2081’ organized in the capital city today. The ceremony was also attended by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Speaker Devra Ghimire, Chairperson of the National Assembly Narayan Dahal, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, Deputy Prime Minister, Ministers, heads of diplomatic missions in Nepal, and other high-ranking government officials.

On the occasion, President Paudel observed different equestrian stunts performed by a cavalry of the Nepal Army riding on the horses. Various interesting arts such as horseracing and horse jumping were performed at the ceremony. On the occasion, various art performances by dogs were also displayed. President Paudel awarded prizes to the outstanding performers in the event.

The Ghode Jatra is known as the oldest festival celebrated in the country’s cultural hub of the Valley. The festival is being celebrated annually as per a mythology which relates the genesis of the festival after the death of a demon named Tundi. Legend has it that the demon who lived on a meadow, which is now at Tundikhel, used to instigate terror among the Kathmandu denizens.

After his death people rejoiced by dancing on his body by riding horses. There is a belief that the parade of horses at Tundikhel keeps the demon’s spirit away. The faster the horses run, the better Tundi’s spirit is dispelled. The festival is celebrated on the day of Krishna Aunsi, as per the lunar calendar, which is a day before the Chaitra Shukla Pratipada and this day is taken as the start of the New Year.

The horse parade, known religiously known as Aswa Yatra, is organised to welcome the New Year. The day before Ghode Jatra is also known as Pichas Chaturdarshi, as per lunar calendar. There is a tradition of racing a black horse to celebrate the horse festival in Lalitpur on the day.