Ghodejatra, a day of horse riding and acrobats in Nepal.
Ghodejatra, a day of horse riding and acrobats in Nepal.
Welcome to the BS 2078's Ghode Jatra. This year, World Fool's Day and Ghode Jatra are on the same day. Before starting today's context, I wish you a happy April Fool's Day too.
In the history of human civilization such as horses, horseback riding, horse riding knights, the cooperation between horses and human beings has been continuously explained in various documents of history and various stories about this relationship are still alive. Horses have always been and still are the classic and traditional ways of human mobility. From Europe, America, Middle East Asia to the invention of trains and vehicles around the world, horses were the only reliable and fastest way to ride. Be it ancient Mahavarata or the conqueror's conquests, horses and horse riders were the primary intervention of war strategy.
Even the prehistoric scriptures and Sanatan texts have mentioned and acknowledged horses as a very important creature for human existence and human life. The biggest Yagya performed in Sanatan philosophy is called "Aswomegh Yagya", Aswo means horse in Sanskrit, hundreds of horses are released at the end of this Yagya and these horses are believed to have peace, harmony, and happiness wherever they go, whichever direction they choose.
Horse races and several other such acrobats are celebrated today in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, in honor and cooperation of these extremely loyal and speedy horses who have left their mark both on the pages of history and their footsteps on the dust of Nepali soil. The presence of the horses is a must, whether it be a picture or a statue, to remember the ranks and various other warriors in different places of Kathmandu. A ruler's statue is not complete without them being on a horse. Be it Napoleon or Kublai Khan or Junga Bahadur or Prithvi N Shah, without horses their legacy and anecdotes are incomplete.
Ghode Jatra as one of the most original Jatra of Kathmandu has been exhibiting endlessly and continuously for centuries in Tundikhel, Kathmandu. On the waning fortnight's new moon day (Aaunshi) of the concluding month (Chaitra) of Bikram Sambat Calendar, this Ghode Jatra is commemorated with thousands of spectators with their real Nepali enthusiasm. Nepal Army and Nepal Police display special parades, acts, and practices of horse riding on this day.
Nepal Army commences this Jatra by scarifying a goat at Rewanta Pith of Judhha Sadak (Road), during the afternoon several horse riding performances are displayed. Besides horse riding, Nepal Army also exhibits several acts of motorcycle rides, paratrooper acts, and gymnastics and rescue exercises of various kinds. This exhibition needs several months of practice and management.
This day is also important because of a different form of Lord Shiva "Luka Mahadev" is offered prayers and sacrifices on this day, huge crowd is seen also on the Annapurna temple of Ason to witness the "Khat" chariot of two Ajima sisters which are made touched to each other to remember their sisterhood. Ajimas are the all-female ancestors of Newa culture who are deitized. A day before Ghodejatra, Pahacharey festival is commemorated by Newa people, these festivals and events are very important for Nepali and they hold a crucial value in Bagmati civilization.
Why is Ghodejatra celebrated?
Gurumapa, a gigantic demon used to reside in the southern corner of Tudhikhel (A historic and cultural ground in the middle of Kathmandu Valley), Gurumapa was so brutal that he ate small kids and regularly troubled people. Residents of Kathmandu valley were worried and started to find ways to kill Gurumapa, finally this gigantic demon was killed by using horses and horse riders. Ghodejatra also acknowledges the assistance of horses in getting rid of the demon. I will end this story here and take you to another specialty of this day. This day is very special as this is the only day of a year when the deities meet each other, this is a divine day of god's meeting.
Kathmandu is the city of living goddesses and divine gods, the chariots of Bhadrakali, Kankeshori, Lumadi, and Bhairav are carried to Ason and kept nearby. The ancient city of Lalitpur commemorates this day by racing a horse with its one eye closed, this race happens at Balkumari Patan. Ancient city of craftsmanship, Bhaktapur celebrates this day by racing a fully decorated horse at the Pachpanna jhyale durbar, an ancient palace with fifty-five windows.
Ghodejatra is a public holiday for Kathmandu valley, president, prime minister and several high ranking leaders and officials are presented to witness this jatra.
Best wishes!
April Fools Day
Bring back the kid in you, April Fool cool cool
Welcome to the annual custom and a specific day dedicated to practical jokes and hoaxes. The joke is finally revealed by shouting the April fool at the end. The reason behind this joke errand day is lost in history but of course, there are some theories. Several facts date back this celebration from the 14th century and relate to English poet and author Geoffrey Chaucer. In his famous creation "The Canterbury Tales" where Chaucer refers playful reference to 32nd March; or 1st of April. This is the closest reference and one among the plausible reason for April 1st celebration however, there is no conclusive and solid reason for the history of April first. Who doesn't like a playful prank with their lovely ones but folks don't forget to reveal the prank by shouting April fool at the end.
Such jokes and pranks have an immense impact on Nepali culture and history, and also helps human bond with each other. It’s a way to build up energy and tension, this day allows people to fairly misbehave and importantly after this day people must return to their normal behavior, so this is a ritual of enforcing the social norm of good behavior. Being able to joke and poke, have fun with others helps us in building social relationships, laughter itself is a panacea and too good for our health. Don't forget to smile and make others smile today, keep up this promise and stick into it.
Scotland celebrates Gowk day today and Brazil celebrates Dia De Mentira "Lie Day" on this day, this day is for comedic effect anyway. Humor, of course, can break the ice and it conveys what cannot be put into words. Pranking in person, at school, office, college, streets and some people do it to their families, has been a part of April fool day for hundreds of years.
To remind your friends today that they all were kids once in their lifetime, help them bring that joyful kid back in their life and relieve some stress by bringing some smiles and happiness through your prank and jokes. Accept that being the fool is okay sometimes, Have fun.
Suyog Dhakal
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