SATV, Kathmandu, April 25: Newar Community of Kathmandau; Handigaun celebrated Gahana Khojne Jatra on April 24, Wednesday at Gahanapokhari.  

According to the famous story about Tundaldevi Khat jatra, daughter Bhatbhateni, while visiting her mother Tundaldevi, saw her walking around with Pode, with whom she had a secret relationship. It is said that Bhatbhateni, who was angry with this, returned thye same night. It is said that the lost jewels are searched every year by people of Handigaun. Celebrating this day each year as an event, it was eventually named as Gahana Khojne Jatra.

Gahana Khojne Jatra (searching for the jewel Jatra) is one major Jatra celebrated by the Newari community of Hadigaun, Kathmandu city. According to the Lunar Calendar, this Jatra falls on Chaitra Shukla Ashtami.

During the Jatra, devotees carry a Khat (palanquin) carrying the idol of Goddess Tuladevi (Vaishnavi) throughout the Hadigaun area. The Khat carriers then reach Gahana Pokhari(Pond), take the Khat inside the pond and search for the lost Gahana(jewelry). After circling the khat of Tundal Devi three times in the pond, the jewels of the goddess are searched for.

On the way to the Pokhari, devotees pay homage to the goddess and make offerings. During the Jatra, people play Dhime and Nyakhin(musical instruments of the Newari community). Everyone around the area joins and enjoys the Jatra.

Some other glimpses of the event are: