Kathmandu Valley observed Ghode Jatra celebrations today amidst a special ceremony orchestrated by the Nepali Army.

President Ram Chandra Paudel, Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, and others were present in the event.

Nepali Army horsemen showcased a repertoire of arts, including horsemanship, martial arts, and physical exercises.

Legend has it that the tradition of trampling horses during Ghode Jatra originated from a centuries-old tale. It is said that the practice began in response to the grievances of a demon known as Gurumappa (Tundi), residing in a tree in the east-south direction of Tundikhel. Allegedly, Gurumapa’s actions were causing distress to the town’s people, prompting the commencement of Ghode Jatra as a means of warding off malevolent forces.