A Yeti Heart

A collaboration between
@cecicastor and @tatswaru

Chapter 6 - Ghode Jatra

All photos in this story thus far are courtesy of Pixbay

I awakened early to loud sounds out on the street. The festivities had already begun. A grand horse parade was taking place at Tundikhel, the central point of the city reputed to have been the largest parade ground in Asia. It is said that in the olden days the Kings of Katmandu use to go to worship the Bhadrakali temple in a courtly cavalcade following the Living Goddess Kumari. This tradition could have been changed over the years into the parade of horses and finally the horse athletics and racing contest that it is now, held by the army in the presence of the King.

There had been a time when the festival was held only for the residents of Kathmandu. But now its popularity has attracted people from all over Nepal. It is a day for consuming a large amount of garlic and meat. Some consider it a day when citizens in the streets may become intoxicated.

According to legends, this festival was held to celebrate the victory over a demon named Tundi who resided over the meadow, known as Tundikhel. Tundi was a terror, so when he met with his death people rejoiced by dancing on his body with horses. So it's believed that the clamour of horses' hooves on Ghode Jatra at Tundikhel keeps the demon's sprit at bay. Legend has it, his spirit still threatens to ruin the city. It is believed that the faster the horses run, the quicker Tundi's spirit will be dispelled. The swift running of the horses on this day is also considered to be a good omen for the Nepalese people.

Another event takes place on Ghode Jatra at Bal Kumari area in Patan where a horse is intoxicated with alcohol and an equally drunk person in traditional Newari attire rides it. People shout to frighten and enrage the animal until it runs wildly with the rider clinging to it. This race is thought to have begun in the olden times by a certain king of Patan in order to upstage Tundikhel's parade. The most worshiped goddess on this day in Bhadrakali is known by the Newari people as Lumarhi Devi.

It has been another interesting day. I am beat and went to bed with the intentions of having an early start on my adventures tomorrow.