Tundi was a terror, so when he met with his death people rejoiced by dancing on his body with horses. So it's believed that the clamor of horses' hooves on Ghode Jatra at Tundikhel keeps the demon's sprit at bay as it still threatens to ruin the city. It's said, the faster the horses run quicker will Tundi's spirit be dispelled. The swift running of the horses on this day is also considered to be a good omen for the Nepalese people. Another event takes place on Ghode Jatra at Bal Kumari area in Patan where a horse is intoxicated with spirits and an equally drunk person in a traditional Newari attire rides it.
People shout to frighten and enrage the animal until it runs widely with the rider clinging to it.
This race is thought to have been commenced in the olden times by a certain king of Patan to give a better show in comparison to Tundikhel's parade, as in those days no one from Patan could attain it. The most worshiped goddess on this day in Bhadrakali also known by the Newari people as Lumarhi Devi. Ghode Jatra is a festival, which doesn't have a lot of religious ceremonies, but the horse parade, is a big attraction and people always look forward to it. Article by Padmakshi Rana Photographs collected from Deependra Bajracharya and Min Bajracharya. All rights reserved.