People of the Newari community of Nepal observe the Gai Jatra to commemorate those who have passed away in the last year. Family members of the deceased in the festival disguise themselves as cows in elaborate costumes, facemasks, and headgear and parade on the streets.
People from around the Kathmandu valley gathered in Basantpur, taking part in a parade from Indra Chowk, Asan Bazar to Hanuman Dhoka.
Gai Jatra is a time to remember lost ones and ease the pain during the parade. The origin of this celebration goes back to the reign of the Malla rulers. The Malla Queen was mourning the untimely death of her son. The king in an attempt to console her asked every family that lost a loved one to come out in a procession to show the queen that she was not alone with her suffering.
-Sweta Singh (Kathmandu)