‘Bhoto Jatra’ being celebrated today

KATHMANDU: The historic Rato Machhindranath Jatra, one of Nepal’s longest and most revered chariot festivals, will conclude with the ceremonial display of the sacred bhoto at Jawalakhel on Sunday afternoon.
The vibrant festival, dedicated to Rato Machhindranath, the deity of rain and prosperity, will culminate in the Bhoto Jatra, an important ritual showcasing a jewel-studded vest from a 60-foot-tall chariot.

The 60-foot-tall chariot, carrying the idol of Rato Machhindranath, has been pulled through the streets of Lalitpur over the past month, starting from Pulchowk and passing through the neighborhoods of Gabahal, Mangal Bazaar and Lagankhel. Thousands of devotees participated in the procession accompanied by traditional music and dances.

President Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, ministers and other dignitaries and members of the diplomatic community will attend the Bhoto Jatra on Sunday.

Following the ceremony, the chariot will be dismantled, and the idol of Rato Machhindranath will return to its temple in Bungamati for the next six months.

The government has given public holiday in Kathmandu Valley on Sunday for the celebrations.