Kathmandu - Tundikhel

The large maidan or parade ground known as Tundikhel once marked the eastern boundary of the old city. It was inhabited, if legend is to be believed, by the demon Tundi, who kept the citizens of Kathmandu in a permanent state of fear. On the day of his death the townsfolk rode their horses over the gigantic corpse, an event commemorated every year in the Ghora Jatra or Horse Festival. The demon's evil spirit is said to be kept subdued by the trampling hooves. At one time both the king and the Royal Kumari would worship during the festival at the Bhadra Kali Shrine, but nowadays the Ghora Jatra has a more popular character.