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Nepal Observes Gai Jatra Commemorating Memory Of Loved Ones And Salvation Of Deceased Souls

People dress as cows and parade through the alleyways and courtyards of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 10, 2025, to commemorate their loved ones who have passed away within a year, praying for their salvation. Dressed as cows, who are on a brief pilgrimage to give salvation to the souls of their departed loved ones, thousands of people march through Basantapur Durbar Square, marking the annual festival of Gai Jatra. In this time-honored tradition, people of all ages, in the guise of cows and lunatics, go around the city wearing odd costumes to commemorate those who have died within the past year. Bereaved families offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the procession, including the cows. This festival of cows, commonly called ''Gai Jatra'' or the ''Cow Festival,'' falls on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra (Bhadra Sukla Pratipada), the fifth month of the Lunar calendar. It is mostly observed by the Newari and Tharu communities of Nepal. According to sayings, the festival derives its name from the religious belief that the deceased, during their journey to heaven, cross a legendary river by grabbing the tail of a cow. The tails of cows demonstrated today are also credited for helping the deceased to get across Baitarni, a legendary river, to enter heaven. The persons who are demonstrated with the attire of a cow also have an artificial tail, which serves the same purpose. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

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