Captivating images of Rato Machhindranath’s chariot procession
The deity, revered by both Patan and Kathmandu Valley, has been placed in a chariot in Pulchowk, Lalitpur, from where the procession began.
KATHMANDU: The chariot procession of the Rain God and the God of Harvest, Rato Machhindranath, has commenced on Thursday.
The deity, revered by both Patan and Kathmandu Valley, has been placed in a chariot in Pulchowk, Lalitpur, from where the procession began.
Every year, on the first day of the bright fortnight of the month of Baishakh, Rato Machhindranath is placed in a chariot to mark the beginning of the procession.
This year, the chariot will be pulled until the 29th of Baishakh to celebrate the chariot festival.
The 32-hand-long bright red chariot of Rato Machhindranath has been constructed in Pulchowk, Lalitpur, for the occasion.
On the final day of the procession, it is customary for the President to offer prayers and witness the chariot being pulled.
On the same day, Rato Machhindranath will be placed in the Mandir located in Bungamati, marking the conclusion of this year’s procession.
Rato Machhindranath alternates his residence between Patan and Bungamati, spending six months in each place.
