LALITPUR: The centuries-old Rato Machhindranath Rath (chariot) Yatra, regarded as one of Nepal’s longest and most significant cultural and religious festivals, will conclude on Saturday with the traditional Bhoto Jatra held in the presence of the Head of State.
Ward Chairperson of Lalitpur Metropolitan City–4, Santosh Khadka, said preparations for the Bhoto display at the Lalit Mandap in Jawalakhel are in their final stage. He added that, as in previous years, the sacred vest (bhoto) will be displayed to the public and invited dignitaries.
The chariot procession, which began on the first day of the month of Baisakh, carries the idol of Lord Rato Machhindranath on a 32-foot-tall rath through Pulchowk, Mangalbazar, Sundhara, Lagankhel and Kumaripati before reaching Jawalakhel. According to tradition, the Bhoto is displayed on the fourth day after the chariot arrives in Jawalakhel.
Cultural historians describe the Rato Machhindranath Jatra—dedicated to the deity of rain and prosperity—as one of Nepal’s oldest and most distinctive living heritage traditions. While kings traditionally attended the Bhoto Jatra in the past, the President has continued the practice in the republican era.
After the Bhoto display, the deity is placed in an ornate traditional khat and taken from Jawalakhel to Machhindrabahal in Bungmati accompanied by traditional musical ensembles.
Chairperson Khadka said this year’s Jatra has been conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner and urged devotees and visitors to cooperate with security arrangements during the Bhoto Jatra. He also requested concerned parties to refrain from street vending in the Jawalakhel area during the event.
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