collection
Kathmandu Valley Festival CalendarTwelve festivals that own the valley's streets, in calendar order — chariots, lamps, colors, and processions, with confirmed dates for the coming year.
12 stops
Editorial · reetu.fyifestivals · culture
FestivalKathmandu
Ghode Jatra
Cavalry races at Tundikhel and deity processions through the old city — Kathmandu's spring pageant.
About this place
FestivalKathmandu
Summary
Ghode Jatra, the horse-racing festival, fills Tundikhel parade ground with a Nepal Army cavalry display, pony races, and acrobatics, held to trample away the demon Tundi's spirit beneath the ground. Newar communities hold their own parallel processions of deities — Bhairab and others carried on palanquins through the southern old city — making it a two-layered festival: military pageant downtown, living ritual in the lanes.
Skip if
Skip if you expect a folk carnival — the main event is a formal military display.
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