Ghode Jatra 2025 in Kathmandu

Ghode Jatra is a big festival in Kathmandu Valley that is held to ward off the Gurumapa demon. It is organized and performed by the Nepal Army and Police force in late March or early April. The equestrian parade and the competition take place at Tundikhel, a large grass-covered ground in the center of Kathmandu, one of its most important landmarks.

Festival Events & Attractions

The main highlight of the festival is the special performance by the Nepail army, showcased in front of the country's officials. From martial arts, and sportsmanship demonstrations to mesmerizing performances of horse-riding and horse racing, the festival is worth witnessing. Locals use this time to spend time with their families since Ghode Jatra is considered a public holiday.

Origins of the Festival

According to a legend, a gambler once encountered a demon hiding under Tundikhel, and tricked him into sparing his life. When the people of Kathmandu had enough of the demon, they unleashed a stampede of horses, crushing the demon to death. Ghode Jatra was originally a festival of the Newar people. It is a cast of Nepali in the Kathmandu valley. The celebration includes worshipping Goddess Bhadrakali and Kankeswari. Those deities are paraded through the streets of Asan Tole on the eve of the festival.