Gai Jatra

The Gai Jatra (or Cow Festival) takes place in August. For Hindus the cow is sacred, representing Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth who guides the souls of the departed to the netherworld. At this time, the children of families who have lost a loved one over the past year dress brightly to mark the gai's safe passage for the departed souls on their journey after life.

However Gai is not a sombre event. Satire, jokes, fancy dress and processions fill the streets and special issues of magazines poke fun at everyone, including the powerful.