Ghode Jatra 2008

According to legend, the ancient people of Kathmandu Valley had defeated an evil demon and they buried in on the site at Tudikhel show grounds. Then there a custom was created and it is said that unless the ground is trampled on by the horses every year, the demon will rise again. It is believed that once the devil arises again it will wreak a terrible vengeances on the people again as it had done once. So, each year the Ghode Jatra festival is organized by Nepalese Army. Ghoda means horse and Jatra means festival in Nepali language. Lots of demonstration of horse riding along with some stunts like motorcycle stunts, cultural performances, gymnastic displays, and other programs by Nepalese Army can been seen on this day at Tudikhel, Kathmandu.

Usually the King of Nepal is invited as the special chief guest but since the changes in our nation has occurred, the head of the nation has been invited as the special chief guest. Last year our prime minister, Girija Prasad Koirala, attended the festival. This year too he was invited but he didn't attend the festival owing to some personal problems of his own. There is no entrance fee for this festival and anyone can view it on the big showground in the center of the valley. Some national television have the live telecasting of the festival as well.