KATHMANDU: The Ghode Jatra festival is being celebrated today across the Kathmandu Valley with traditional enthusiasm.

Observed every year on the new moon day of the Nepali month of Chaitra, the festival is marked with special events and cultural significance. On this occasion, the Nepali Army organizes a grand show at Tundikhel, featuring horse riding skills, motorcycle stunts, physical exercises, and demonstrations of military techniques.

According to legend, a demon named Gurumapa once lived in the Tundikhel area and troubled local children. It is believed that horses trampling over the ground help keep the demon’s spirit away, which is why the horse parade became a tradition.

The festival is also observed in Lalitpur, where a horse is raced as part of the celebration.

The government has declared a public holiday in the Kathmandu Valley to mark the occasion.