Kirtipur – Gaijatra, the traditional festival commemorating deceased family members, was celebrated across Nepal on Saturday, with communities in Kathmandu Valley observing the festival through processions, rituals, music and traditional performances.
In Kirtipur, the festival retained its distinctive character, with the Dey Guthi procession serving as a major highlight. Locals participated in traditional dances and performances, including the ‘Dhe Dhe Pa Pa’ dance, which, according to local belief, mocks Dancha Buddha, a local who is said to have provided Prithvi Narayan Shah with information about the Newar kingdom during his unification campaign.
Participants in Kirtipur also donned daunting and colourful traditional costumes, adding to the festival’s spectacle. While modern influences have brought changes to the celebrations and introduced new performers, Kirtipur continues to preserve customs associated with its historic Gaijatra tradition.
The Dey Guthi procession also features humorous performances and satire targeting contemporary social and political issues, bringing residents together to celebrate the festival while remembering its historical roots.
Photo : Aakriti Bista
