KATHMANDU: The annual chariot festival of Seto Machhindranath began in Kathmandu on Thursday.
The festival started after the idol of Arya Avalokiteshvara was placed on a chariot prepared at Tri Dhara Pathshala and brought from Machhindrabahal.
The chariot procession of Seto Machhindranath, also known as Karunamaya and Arya Avalokiteshvara, is celebrated as a festival honoring the deity believed to bring rainfall and prosperity.
As part of the tradition, the chariot is taken around the city so elderly residents of the Kathmandu Valley can receive blessings from the deity. The procession begins from Janabahal before the idol is placed on the chariot at Jamal for the city tour.
The chariot passes through several parts of the city including Ratna Park, Bhotahiti, Asan, Indra Chowk, Hanuman Dhokaand other surrounding areas before concluding at Lagan Tole.
According to tradition, the festival concludes after the chariot is taken three rounds around the house of Machhindranath’s mother located in Lagan.
Photos: Nepal Photo Library
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