Kathmandu, March 21: This year’s Ghodejatra (Horse Parade) program organized by the Nepal Army at Tundikhela has been completed under the presence of President and Supreme Commander of the Nepalese Army, Ram Chandra Paudel.
In addition to horse racing, an interesting program full of various equestrian arts was presented on that occasion. At the ceremony, President Paudel awarded prizes to the first and second runners-up in the musical ride and show-jump games.
In the show jump, NA Captain Rajesh Shrestha stood first and army man Ram Sharan Neupane got the second prize while Captain Rojina Mahat and Captain Safalata Shrestha received the first and second prizes in the musical ride.
Earlier, President Paudel laid a wreath at the military memorial there, while a contingent of the Nepalese Army presented him with the Presidential Salute.
In addition to the banner exhibition, various exciting arts such as horsemanship and horse race, show jump, cavalry drill ride and dog show, cavalry archery, musical ride and others were displayed in the ceremony.
Ghodejatra is a very old and social tradition that has been celebrated in Kathmandu Valley since ancient times. In ancient times, Ghodejatra has been celebrated as a victory over the demon Gurumapa. In the program, a song drama titled History of Ghodejatra Gurumapako Katha was presented.
It is believed that the horse running here will help suppress the demon’s spirit and the Jatra will bring prosperity to the country. It is an old tradition that army and police perform special parades, actions and exercises among thousands of common people in Tundikhel of Kathmandu.
On the day of Ghodejatra, the Nepalese Army sacrifices a goat at Juddha Sadak to mark the start of the Jatra.
The army has been celebrating the Ghodejatra in Tundikhel with the respect and cooperation of the very loyal and fast galloping horse. Horses have been used in people’s daily life and even in big battles. Horses are still used as the main means of transportation in the Himalayan region.
Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Acting Chief Justice Harikrishna Karki, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chairman Ganesh Prasad Timilsina and ministers were present at the ceremony held in Tundikhel.
Heads of constitutional bodies, high-ranking officials of the government, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions in Nepal also reached Tundikhel to watch the horse procession. Chief of Army Staff Prabhuram Sharma welcomed the distinguished guests participating in the ceremony.
According to the Nepal Army Directorate, out of 66 horses used in horse riding, there are 10 for buggy, 46 for equestrian including racing and 10 for special racing.
There was a large presence of people around Tundikhel to watch the ceremony.
