LALITPUR: President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister Balendra Shah observed the Bhoto Jatra of Rato Machhindranath Bhoto Jatra, a traditional festival associated with the deity worshipped for rainfall and prosperity.
The two leaders attended the ceremony held at Jawalakhel in Lalitpur on Saturday afternoon and watched the concluding rituals of the annual chariot festival.
On the occasion, President Paudel also offered prayers to Rato Machhindranath and received blessings from the Living Goddess Kumari.
According to tradition, the sacred vest (bhoto) is displayed on the fourth day after the chariot of Rato Machhindranath is pulled from Lagankhel to Jawalakhel. This year as well, officials from the Guthi Sansthan displayed the bhoto in the presence of the general public and distinguished guests.
In Nepali society, Rato Machhindranath is revered as the deity of harvest, rainfall, and protection from hardship and famine.
The festival is regarded as one of Nepal’s significant cultural, religious, and historical traditions.
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