Ghode Jatra
घोडे जात्रा
Also known as: Tudhali Jatra
An ancient horse-racing festival held at Tundikhel parade grounds in Kathmandu. The thundering hooves are said to keep the demon Gurumapa trapped underground. The Nepal Army and mounted police perform equestrian feats.
When
March–April
Gregorian (approximate — lunar dates shift yearly)
Nepali month
Chaitra
Bikram Sambat calendar
Duration
1 day
Tourist appeal
Medium
Newari · Kathmandu Valley
Ghode Jatra is Kathmandu's horse festival - the Nepal Army performs impressive equestrian exercises, stunt rides and cavalry drills on Tundikhel. The occasion is also Nepal Army Day. The festival's mythological origin relates to the demon Gurumapa who was trampled by horses: the annual galloping renews the suppression of evil.
Traditions & rituals
Cavalry drills and horse-racing at Tundikhel by Nepal Army
Nepal Army parade and stunt demonstrations
Pachali Bhairab procession from Pachali
Kumari puja (Pachali Kumari) at the same time
When does Ghode Jatra fall this year?
Ghode Jatra is observed in the Nepali month of Chaitra, which corresponds to roughly March–April in the Gregorian calendar. Most Nepali festivals follow the lunar Bikram Sambat calendar, so the precise day moves each year. Use our converter to map any Bikram Sambat date to the Gregorian calendar.
Nepali date converter (BS ⇄ AD) →Ghode Jatra, answered
Common questions about the date, duration and meaning of Ghode Jatra.
When is Ghode Jatra celebrated?+
Ghode Jatra falls in March–April — the Nepali month of Chaitra in the Bikram Sambat calendar. Because most Nepali festivals follow the lunar calendar, the exact Gregorian dates shift slightly each year.
How long does Ghode Jatra last?+
Ghode Jatra lasts 1 day.
What is the significance of Ghode Jatra?+
An ancient horse-racing festival held at Tundikhel parade grounds in Kathmandu. The thundering hooves are said to keep the demon Gurumapa trapped underground. The Nepal Army and mounted police perform equestrian feats.
Who celebrates Ghode Jatra and where?+
Ghode Jatra is primarily a Newari festival, celebrated mainly in the Kathmandu Valley.
Other festivals of Nepal
Sources & data note
Festival dates follow the lunar Bikram Sambat calendar and shift each Gregorian year; the approximate Gregorian months reflect the typical recent range. Cultural details on Ghode Jatra are sourced from the Nepal Tourism Board and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.