BHAKTAPUR, Aug 4: Bhaktapur folks have flocked to the Bhaktapur Durbar Square Area to observe the Gaijatra festival ignoring the escalating fears of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the Valley in recent days.

Though the local administration had earlier urged the locals to celebrate the festivals without forming a large crowd, hundreds of people were seen on the Bhaktapur Durbar Square premises to mark this festival which is known as 'Saparu' in Bhaktapur.

Here are some photos taken by Dipesh Shrestha, a Republica photojournalist on Tuesday afternoon.

During the time-honored tradition, people of all ages in the guise of cows and lunatics go around the city, wearing odd costumes to commemorate those who died during the past year. The bereaved families offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the procession including the cows. 

As the saying goes, the festival derives its name from the religious belief that the deceased, during their journey to heaven, crosses a legendary river by grabbing the tail of a cow.

 
• Gaijatra
 
• Bhaktapur
 
• COVID19