Rato Machhindranath Chariot festival begins today

KATHMANDU: The grand Rato Machhindranath Jatra, one of the most revered and vibrant festivals of the Kathmandu Valley, kicks off this evening in Lalitpur.

The centuries-old chariot procession will commence from Pulchowk and proceed towards Ga Bahal, accompanied by traditional music and cultural fanfare.

On the first day of the festival, the towering chariot of Rato Machhindranath will be pulled through the historic city streets, while the chariot of Minnath, built in Tangal, will also be drawn to Ga Bahal as part of the ritual procession.

The streets will come alive with the sounds of Indra Baja, Guruju Paltan (the ceremonial military platoon), Dhimay, Naykhin, and other traditional Newar instruments, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the valley.

The deity Machhindranath was enshrined in the chariot on Monday in a special ritual known as Ratharohan.

The festival will culminate in the spectacular Bhoto Jatra, during which a sacred vest is displayed to the public, marking the climax of the celebration.

After the conclusion of Bhoto Jatra, the idol of Machhindranath will be carried in a smaller palanquin and taken back to the temple in Bungamati.

Minnath will be returned to Chakrabah in Tangal, officially bringing the chariot festival to a close.

Rato Machhindranath is a unique deity who is venerated across different religious traditions: Vishnu by Vaishnavs, Shiva by Shaivites, Shakti by Shaktas, the Sun by Sauras, Lokeshwar by Brahmins, and as Karunamaya (the embodiment of compassion) by Buddhists—symbolizing unity in diversity.