Gaijatra
Gaijatra is a festival of cows. Newar community mainly celebrates it. They occupy a large place in the Kathmandu valley. It falls on a day sometime in Saun or sometime in Bhadau. it is observed the day after Janai Purnima and lasts for seven days.
Newar people celebrate this festival by paying tribute to the dead members of the family. This festival came into tradition in the medieval period of Nepal during the reign of Malla kings. According to the traditions, every family who has lost one relative during the past year must participate in a procession. If a cow is considered a substitute. It is believed that the cow will take the dead body to heaven.
According to the historical evidences Chakrawartendra, the son of King Pratap Malla died and the queen became distressed. Though the king tried his best, he could lessen the grief of his wife. To convince her that she is not only one who has lost a family member. The king ordered his citizens to carry a procession that has lost a member in a year.
People eat, drink and enjoy during this festival. It is also known as the festival humor and satire. People, journalist, cartoonists, singers are free to write, comment and draw cartoons and attack on immortality of contemporary politics, society and customs.
