In terms of traditional beliefs, the festival is dedicated to the dead kin in the Newar community in the three districts of Kathmandu Valley. Photos and names of the deceased family members are hung around the cow’s effigies.

The cow, a holy animal in Hindu religion, is believed to help the souls of the dead kin cross the eternal river, facilitating their passage to heaven.

The festival has been celebrated, especially in the Valley since the medieval period. It is believed that the culture of celebrating Gai Jatra started when then King Pratap Malla lost his son and the queen and became overwhelmed by grief.  

Then the King decided that every family which had a member dead in the past year would take part in Gai Jatra so that the queen would realise she was not alone to be struck by the tragedy.