Ghode Jatra has been celebrated with fanfare by organizing various programs in the Kathmandu Valley today.
The program began with the arrival of the President, Vice President, Prime Minister and other high-ranking government officials, followed by a national anthem.
The Nepali Army officials conducted horse polo, horse stunts, races, and other games, amidst multiple traditional music and dance performances.
A legend has it that, a long time ago, there lived a demon called Gurumapa. It used to abduct kids, torture and terrorize them. The people of Kathmandu tried to kill the demon with stones and weapons, but all in vain. One day they sent a storm of horses toward the devil. The demons were trampled to death. To rejoice over the demon's death, they established an annual ritual of horses running on tracks in Tundikhel, eventually known as Ghode Jatra. It’s believed that Gurumapa’s spirit will be dispelled faster if the horses run quicker.
Another legend has it that the Ghode Jatra is observed on Chaitra Krishna Aunshi with the belief that the New Year will start from Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.
