Rato machhendraNath Jatra

The chariot procession of Rato Machhendranath is one of the most colorful festival celebrated in the country. Locals pull the chariot of Rato Machhendranath from Pulchok though different thoroughfares of Patan to Jawalakhel, which the festivalis climaxed by a special ritual called"Bhoto Dekhaune Jatra". The officials of Guthi Sansthan display the antique Bhoto from the top of chariot in the president, Prime Minister, Ministers and other dignitaries. The festival takes place on different days in the month of Baisakh ( March-April). Rato Machhindranath Jatra is the longest running chariot festival in Nepal. This festival is a prayer for good rain so that there is a good harvest. It begins with the construction of a 32-feet high chariot in Pulchowk, Lalitpur.

The chariot is made out of the cane, wood, bamboo. This chariot festival ends with the Bhoto Jatra festival in Jawalakhel. The chariot is built about one kilometer away from Machhindranath’s temple. Bhoto Jatra is attended by the head of state of Nepal. The chariot is pulled through the old city of Patan and is stopped at many places during the duration of the festival, which typically lasts a month. This festival starts during the month of Baisakh.