Nepal Marks Gai Jatra as Flood Crisis Casts Shadow Over Traditional Observance

Nepal is observing the traditional Gai Jatra festival, a day dedicated to remembering loved ones who have died during the past year, as the country continues to grapple with a severe flood crisis.

Families traditionally lead cows, or people dressed as cows, through local streets and offer food and donations in memory of the deceased.

The festival is rooted in the belief that those who have died can cross the mythical Vaitarani River by holding a cow’s tail.

Gai Jatra also includes traditional music, dance, satire and performances addressing social issues, with the custom historically linked to King Pratap Malla and his grieving queen.

The observance is particularly prominent in Kathmandu Valley and other towns with large Newar communities, including Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Banepa, Dharan and Pokhara.

This year, the traditional observance comes as Nepal mourns flood-related deaths and communities continue rescue, relief and recovery efforts across affected areas.