This festival of Gai Jatra is a sombre one. It expresses the wish of the surviving members of a deceased that
his heavenward journey should be smooth. To achieve this they take the help of a cow which is worshiped as a holy animal by the devout Hindus.
As per the age old tradition, any family who has lost his near or a dear in the preceding year has to participate in a procession through the Kathmandu Streets leading a cow.
Practical a religion as Hinduism is there is always an alternative to anything which may be difficult to procure. In this case, if a cow is not available then a young boy dressed up as cow is substituted. The belief is that by doing this the cow will assist the deceased relatives' heavenward journey.
As per the age old tradition, any family who has lost his near or a dear in the preceding year has to participate in a procession through the Kathmandu Streets leading a cow.
Practical a religion as Hinduism is there is always an alternative to anything which may be difficult to procure. In this case, if a cow is not available then a young boy dressed up as cow is substituted. The belief is that by doing this the cow will assist the deceased relatives' heavenward journey.
