Ghode Jatra: The horse racing festival of Nepal

A Nepalese army soldier participates in a horse jumping competition during the Ghode Jatra festival, an annual horse festival in Kathmandu, Nepal. According to legend, the festival is held to celebrate the victory over a demon named Tundi and people believe that the clamour of horses' hooves during the festival keeps the demon's spirit away. (Niranjan Shrestha/AP)

Updated on: Mar 28, 2017 12:11 PM IST

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A Nepalese army soldier participates in a horse jumping competition during the Ghode Jatra festival, an annual horse festival in Kathmandu, Nepal. According to legend, the festival is held to celebrate the victory over a demon named Tundi and people believe that the clamour of horses' hooves during the festival keeps the demon's spirit away. (Niranjan Shrestha/AP)

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The tail of an army horse is decorated during the Ghode Jatra festival, an annual horse festival in Kathmandu, Nepal. The festival is celebrated in the Nepali month of Chaitra. (Niranjan Shrestha/AP)

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Hairs of a horse tied with ribbons are pictured during the religious Ghode Jatra festival, organised by the Nepal army. It is regarded as one of the oldest festival in the country. (Navesh Chitrakar/REUTERS)

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A Nepalese priest carries the Living Goddess, the Kumari, during the Ghode Jatra (Horse Race) Festival in Kathmandu. The Kumari is worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists as a living goddess and a protector bringing good luck and prosperity. (Prakash Mathema/AFP)

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Nepalese soldiers take part in the Ghode Jatra (horse race) festival in Kathmandu. The Nepalese army celebrates the Ghode Jatra festival every year with various equestrian activities. (Prakash Mathema/AFP)

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A Nepalese army soldier demonstrates his horse riding skills during the Ghode Jatra festival. The festival marks the start of Nepali New Year. (Niranjan Shrestha/AP)

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Nepalese army soldiers demonstrate their horse riding skills during the Ghode Jatra festival. (AP/PTI)

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The hair on the back of the head of a horse is decorated during the Ghode Jatra festival. The Nepal government provides a public holiday every year on the occasion of Ghode Jatra festival within the Kathmandu valley. (Niranjan Shrestha/AP)

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Nepal army soldier demonstrates his skills on a horse during the religious Ghode Jatra festival. (Navesh Chitrakar/REUTERS)

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Nepal army soldier sit next to a horse during the religious Ghode Jatra festival, organised by the Nepal army. (Navesh Chitrakar/REUTERS)

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Nepal army soldiers play horse ball during the religious Ghode Jatra festival. (Navesh Chitrakar/REUTERS)

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Hooves of horses are pictured as Nepal army soldiers demonstrate their skills during the religious Ghode Jatra festival. (Navesh Chitrakar/REUTERS)

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A tail of a horse is decorated with a bow during the religious Ghode Jatra festival, organised by the Nepal army. (Navesh Chitrakar/REUTERS)