Ghode Jatra postponed over virus fears

KATHMANDU, March 24: The Ghode Jatra festival has been postponed for this year due to COVID-19.

The festival of horses celebrated annually by Nepal Army at Tundikhel in Kathmandu falls on the Krishna Paksha of Nepali month Chaitra.

But it has been postponed due to COVID-19 and nation-wide lockdown imposed by the government to stem the spread of the deadly virus.

NA’s Spokesperson Brigadier General Bigyan Dev Pandey said the decision towards this effect was taken considering the lockdown wherein the security personnel, both of Nepal Police and NA, needed to be standby for any circumstances.

The NA, which usually used to perform altogether 24 stunts and sports activities, had prepared to show only 15 games this year. All the preparation for this festival had been completed too.

The NA had planned to observe the festival in a symbolic way with limited invitees this year, unlike previous years when the VIPs and dignitaries would attend the event and was celebrated with much fanfare. Since the circumstance turned out to be unfavorable to celebrate the festival even in a symbolic way, the NA postponed the festival for this year. RSS