The traditional festival of Gaijatra or the 'cow festival' is being observed from today in the three cities of Kathmandu Valley and some other places in the country amidst fun, gaiety, humor, satire and entertainment. The festival, beginning on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra as per the lunar calendar, lasts for a week. During this time-honored tradition, people of all ages in the guise of cows and lunatics go around the city, wearing odd costumes to commemorate those who died during the past year. The bereaved families offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd and money to those participating in the procession including the cows.