In particular, Kathmandu Valley celebrates Sa:Paru (Gaijatra) on the day of Gunlaga Pratiparda(Shravan Shukla Pratipada) in the Nepal Sambat. However, this Jatra is observed outside of the Kathmandu Valley as well. Banepa, Dhankuta, Dolakha, Khotang, Chainpur, Bhojpur, Dharan, Ilam, Birganj, Gorkha, Biratnagar, Hetaunda, Pokhara, Beni, Lamjung, etc. are a few examples. This event is mostly observed in honor of the deceased members of the celebrants’ families.
This event is mostly observed in honor of the deceased members of the celebrants’ families. Due to the fact that Gunhu is mentioned once more in Banshawali, the language Jayasthiti Malla had Banshawali created in, it appears that this Jatra has been taking place in Bhaktapur for a very long time. Maybe King Pratap Malla was the one who began this Jatra in Kathmandu. In the year 1669 A.D, Queen Bhuvana Lakshmi Malla witnessed the deaths of many individuals around the world as well as King Pratap Malla, who was crushed to death by the Elephant of his son Chakrabhatendra Malla. To demonstrate that death is a natural occurrence, this voyage was begun.
But according to experts as Culturologist, this festival was celebrated with bullfighting in Lichchavikal (Lichchavi Era) rather than Mallakalin (Malla Era), and the word “Sayat” was first used during the Gopal dynasty. “Sa:” is Cow “Yat” is referred to as ” Jatra “. This trip, which began over time, has a connection to religion. A Cow is made to carry the deceased family members around the nation to Heaven, according to the idea that crossing the Vaitarani River (Mythological River) while gripping a cow’s tail will lead to heaven.
This Jatra is called Sa:Paru in Nepalbhasa (Native Newa Communuty Language). The word Sa:Paru is formed from the words “Sa” and “Paru”. Sa: means Cow and Paru means Pratipadha. It is a popular belief that by making a Sa: (Cow) and circumambulating the city, the dead will find abode in heaven. The way of making Sa: (Cow) is different from locations around country.
The deceased’s Grandchildren are turned into Sa: (Cow) in Kathmandu, whereas in Bhaktapur, Tahasan, and Tahamcha, Clay made Cow or young ladies are transformed into Mahadev Parvati (Bacha Lukegu). Other Newar cities besides Bhaktapur also make Tahasan. Like in Banepa, Tahasan is also produced by Dhankuta, Gorkha, Beni, and Lamjung too. The procession ends this day’s evening after Bhairavanath and Bhadrakali‘s straw-based Tahamcha are brought.
As a result of the king’s permission to speak freely for a week, this celebrate lasts for seven days more. Sa:Paru‘s following day is Diku (Empty). They bring Khayala (Drama), Devi Pyakhan, Bhaila Pyakhan, Maka Pyakhan, Gaicha Pyakhan, and other plays and perform them from tole to tole starting on the third day. All of these plays and dances are presented in the evening or early morning, while Maka Pyakhan, Nagacha Pyakhan, and Dramatic Ghintang Ghisi are presented in the afternoon.
