About Gai Jatra: Festival of the Cow
In This Guide:
- What is Gai Jatra?
- History of Gai Jatra Festival
- Gai Jatra in the Kathmandu Valley
- Kathmandu Gai Jatra Experience
- Gai Jatra in Bhaktapur
- Gai Jatra in Patan
- Festival Timings
- Tips for Visitors
- Upcoming Gai Jatra Dates
What is Gai Jatra? Understanding Nepal’s Festival of the Cow
Given the year, Gai Jatra (Gaijatra / Sa Paru) festival in Nepal is perhaps one of the most meaningful events of the year for many families who lost loved ones.
The festival has a long history dating back further than its 17th century modern day interpretation.
The meaning of Gai Jatra is literally – Gai – “Cow” and Jatra – “Festival”. This unique Nepalese celebration combines honoring the dead with colorful processions, humor, and community gathering.
So what do cows and the celebration of death have to do with each other? And why is it a festival?! Read on to discover more about this amazing festival in Nepal.
History of Gai Jatra Festival: From Ancient Ritual to Modern Celebration
The Sacred Cow in Hindu Tradition
Firstly, the cow is revered deeply in Hinduism. The cow is a symbol of the Earth. It gives and feeds which represents life and the support of life. Hence a festival dedicated to cows.
Origins in Death Rituals
Lost in the annals of history it is said the people of the Kathmandu Valley worshiped Yamaraj (Yama), the Hindu “lord of death” on this day.
King Pratap Malla’s Transformation of the Festival
During King Pratap Malla’s reign 1641 – 1664 his family were struck by a tragedy when his son died. The king’s wife was grief stricken and inconsolable. Distressed by his wife’s grief the king tried to cheer her up but failed at every attempt to make her smile.
At his wits end the king finally offered a reward to anyone who could make his wife smile again.
During Gai Jatra festival when the cow procession was passing by the window of 33 virtues in Kathmandu Durbar square a group of boisterous performers shocked everyone.
The group began ridiculing and mocking the rich, members of high society. While at the same time they highlighted the plight of the poor. They then showed the injustices within society with no mercy spared.
The queen erupted into laughter!
King Pratap Malla then ordered that laughter, jokes, satire and mockery should be included in the Gai Jatra festival from then on.
The Festival Tradition Continues
Tradition then took foot and people who lost a family member during the year would take part in the festival by leading a cow along the procession. If no cow is available then a young boy is used as a substitute.
Gai Jatra Today in the Kathmandu Valley
When and Where Gai Jatra is Celebrated
Gai Jatra is still celebrated every year in several cities within the Kathmandu Valley. It’s usually celebrated on the first day of Bhadra month of the Lunar calendar. In other words at the end / start of August / September.
The primary location for the festival is Kathmandu city. As this is where much of it originated from. A procession is lead through Durbar Square and several other localized areas within the city.
Upcoming Gai Jatra Festival Dates in Nepal (2025-2029)
Planning a trip to Nepal to experience the colorful Gai Jatra festival? Here are the projected dates for the next five years. Since Gai Jatra follows the lunar calendar (first day of Bhadra month), these dates may vary slightly. We recommend confirming exact dates closer to your travel time.
| Year | Gai Jatra Date | Day of Week | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 14, 2025 | Thursday | Main celebrations in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan |
| 2026 | August 3, 2026 | Monday | Coincides with early tourist season preparation |
| 2027 | August 23, 2027 | Monday | Extended celebrations expected in Bhaktapur |
| 2028 | August 11, 2028 | Friday | Weekend visitors should book accommodation early |
| 2029 | August 1, 2029 | Wednesday | Expected to be one of the largest celebrations in recent years |
Note: Gai Jatra is celebrated according to the lunar calendar. These dates are projected based on astronomical calculations and may shift by 1-2 days. We recommend confirming the exact festival date before planning your trip.
Best Time to Attend Gai Jatra
For the optimal Gai Jatra experience, we recommend arriving in Nepal at least 2-3 days before the festival. This allows you to witness the preparations and secure good viewing positions for the main processions. Many travelers combine Gai Jatra with other nearby attractions in the Kathmandu Valley for a complete cultural experience.
Regional Variations of Gai Jatra
In Bhaktapur the procession includes decorated chariots which display photographs of those that passed away during the year. Men also dress as women and dance with others along the streets.
In Patan Gai Jatra is celebrated similarly to Kathmandu but with less fanfare. If you don’t like crowds this is a better option. Gai Jatra in Kirtipur is celebrated a little differently due to a merging of several beliefs.
In Kirtipur it is said that the gates of heaven open up on this day. People dress as Hindu gods rather than cows and dance along the streets. People are encouraged to knock on neighbors doors and invite them to come out and dance with them.
The Kathmandu Gai Jatra Festival Experience
Procession Route
Gai Jatra this year in Kathmandu started at 8am in Basantapur (Kathmandu Durbar Square).
It follows a short parade style route going from:
Basantapur (Hanumandhoka)-Maru-Jaisidewal-Lagan-Gokhal-Brhmatole-Onde-Hyumat-Jaisidewal-Kohiti-Bhimsensthan-Maru
Maru-Pyaphal-Naradevi-Bangemuda-Asan-Kamalakshi-Bhotahity-Asan-Indrachowk-Hanumandhoka
First-Hand Experience
Up at 5am I was at Basantapur (Kathmandu Durbar Square) by 6am. Rather shockingly the ticket counters were open early to charge tourists 750 rupees on a national holiday – bit cheeky that. More in the coming weeks.
Nevertheless Kathmandu Durbar square was still relatively quiet, but busier than usual as tents were set up to provide water for the morning’s activities.
Visitor Tips for Kathmandu Gai Jatra
I do advise anyone who does not like crowds to come early. Find a quiet spot on the northern section of Durbar Square and stay put. The southern section was very crowded as was the area around the window of virtues.
What’s the Gai Jatra Festival Like in Bhaktapur?
Bhaktapur takes on a much more colorful approach to Gai Jatra. It’s also a lot more crowded.
Dancing and colorful characters perform around the three main squares: Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square and Dattatreya Square.
Bhaktapur Festival Schedule
The festival kicks off at 10am and continues on for the afternoon. During the night dancing and music continues on in the squares for the whole week.
Accommodation for Bhaktapur Gai Jatra
Though accommodation doesn’t book out completely it does rise dramatically in price. Booking accommodation like this ahead of time is advisable.
What’s the Gai Jatra Festival Like in Patan?
Dancing and colorful figures surround Patan Durbar Square. While slightly more colorful than Kathmandu’s Gai Jatra there’s not much of a difference and it’s harder to get a vantage point.
Visitor Experience
Do be prepared to join the jostling crowd here.
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Fantastic photos and live posting on the day. Throughly enjoyed this!
Glad you enjoyed Mike!
Beautiful photographs. I never such a festival existed. It’s so hard to get information. Thanks for telling us about it.
You’re very welcome Helen.
Loved learning so much about Gai Jatra. Such a fascinating part of history in Nepal
It’s got a unique history for sure.
Stunning photos. Really enjoyed this. We arrive a month later. I hope there’s still a lot to see and do!
There’s lot’s to see and do in Nepal in September and October!
Nice to learn something different about the cultures. The pics are nice.
Cheers
Thanks for showing us something we may not have ever seen elsewhere.
Glad you found it here!
Interesting how all the festivals and traditions combined into one with Gai Jatra.
Yes, it is. The festival is also quite different in the surrounding cities in KTM valley.
Very interesting. I also just found out why the cow is so important. Thanks
Glad you found out about the cow too!
Looks like an amazing event. Do they charge an entrance fee?
There’s no entrance fee. But sadly the 750 rupee fee into Kathmandu Durbar square was enforced on the day for forigners.
Beautiful photos and interesting write up David. Great to see things like this culture still happening in Nepal!
Nepal is the last bastion of this type of raw culture and expereince!
Great! Looks like a popular festival for what I think is still Nepal’s “off season”
Yes, it’s in the off season. A good time to go if you don’t mind some rain.
Seems like a strange festival from my perspective. But to them, the lifestyle I live would be strange to them lol.
I love how, though we are all human, we all have significantly different lifestyles.
Neat.
I have to experience them all!
Hello Dave,
I was randomly scouring through the net and came across blog and I got lured by the title. Your blog is so different and to read about the immigrants from a third person’s perspective was really interesting and the title was really different and catchy too. Good work!