Gai Jatra (or Procession of Cows)

The festival of Gai Jatra or the procession of cows, is generally celebrated in the Nepalese month of Bhadra (August-September). A hugely popular festival in Nepal, Gai Jatra, according to ancient traditions, dictates that every family who has lost a relative during the past year should participate in the procession through the streets of Kathmandu leading a cow. If the family doesn't have a cow, then a young boy dressed as a cow is considered a fair substitute. In Hinduism the cow is the ost revered of all the domestic animals, it is believed that the cow will help the deceased's journey to heaven.

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