Ghode Jatra and Pahan Charhe

Ghode Jatra, the horse festival, is held in Kathmandu in the month of Chaitra, shortly before Nepali New Year. Its centre is Tundikhel, the long open ground in the middle of the city, where the Nepal Army holds horse races, acrobatic riding displays and parades in front of the head of state and invited guests.

The legend of Tundi

The festival is linked to a demon called Tundi, who terrorised the valley until he was killed and buried beneath the open ground that still bears his name. People believe that galloping horses over the field each year keeps the demon from rising again.

Pahan Charhe

For Newar communities in Kathmandu the same days are Pahan Charhe, a time when married daughters return to their parents' homes and families feast together. The images of several mother goddesses are carried in palanquins, and in Asan the goddesses meet in a joyful procession.

For visitors

The army's main event at Tundikhel is by invitation or requires a ticket, but crowds gather around the edges and nearby buildings. From Sanothimi it is a short bus ride to Ratnapark. Remember that roads around Tundikhel are closed during the programme.