LALITPUR: Reconstruction of the wheels of the revered Rato Machhindranath chariot has begun after two wheels were completely destroyed in a fire during the recent Gen-Z movement.
The fire that broke out amid the protests left two of the chariot’s wheels beyond repair, prompting authorities and concerned bodies to initiate the process of building new ones.
Traditionally, the chariot wheels are replaced every 12 years. However, reconstruction is undertaken earlier only in cases of unforeseen damage. This time, as the wheels were burned and rendered unusable due to the incident, rebuilding work has commenced in coordination with the concerned guthi and relevant authorities.
According to representatives of the local guthi, the reconstruction work began on the day of Saraswati Puja. Skilled artisans have been engaged in the process, following traditional techniques and methods.
From the selection of timber to the joining and structural assembly, all procedures are being carried out in accordance with long-established religious customs and rituals.
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