PHOTOS: Gaijatra festival being observed

KATHMANDU, Aug 23: People across the country are observing the traditional festival of Gaijatra in memory of deceased family members, on Monday.

According to the lunar calendar, Gaijatra festival falls on the first day of the waning moon in the month of the Bhadra (Bhadra Shukla Pratipada). 

During the festival, people of all ages impersonating cows and lunatics go around the city, wearing odd costumes to commemorate those who died during the past year. The bereaved family members offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the procession including the cows. 

According to myths, this festival is believed to have begun since the reign of King  Pratap Malla, who asked his countrymen to organize a program full of humor, fun and satries in a bid to console his bereaved queen after the death of their son.