Ghode Jatra is one of the many festivals celebrated in Kathmandu.

On this
day, a grand horse parade takes place at Tundikhel. Tundikhel was once the
largest parade ground in Asia. The festival falls in mid March or early April.
It occurs in the Nepali month of Chaitra.
It is said that in olden days, the kings of Kathmandu used to go to worship at
Bhadrakali temple. They used to take a long procession with the Living
Goddess Kumari in the front. This visit was later modified into horse parade.
That was further modified into horse athletics and racing contest.
According to a legend, this festival was held to celebrate the victory over the
demon named Tundi. It is said that Tundi lived in Tundikhel. People were
scared of him so when he died, they began to dance over his body on horses.
The sound of the horses’ hooves on the day of Ghode Jatra is believed to keep
the spirit of the demon away. It is said that faster the horses run, quicker the
spirit of Tundi will disperse. The speedy run of the horses is considered as a
good omen for the Nepalese people.
Ghode Jatra attracted mostly the people of Kathmandu before. But in the past
few years, people from all over Nepal seem to be interested in it. The parade is
broadcast live on the national television too. The head of the country has to
address the ceremony before it starts.
Ghode Jatra is also considered to be the auspicious day for consuming large
amount of garlic, and meat. Preparations for the day start weeks before the
actual event.
Usually the army men participate in the race. This day is also declared as a
public holiday in the Kathmandu valley.