Rato machhendranath


(The chariot ride of Red Machhendranath)The festival starts on the last week of May or early June. It is celebrated to offer worships to Machhendranath, the mearciful patron god of the valley of Kathmandu and the god of harvests. This spectral festival reflects important aspects of socio-cultural life of the valley and it lasts for several days. Rath of tremendous size, about 48ft tall, is prepared at Pulchok and hauled through the city of Patan in several stages and it is finally taken to Jawalakhel in an auspicious moment carefully calculated by astrologers. The festival culminates when the sacred waistcoat (BHOTO) is displayed for the entire populace to behold. There are many myths related with the festival, however the most influential one suggests that the festival is celebrated to commemorate the arrival of Lord Machhendra to protect the people of valley from a fearful draught. The deity is believed to have brought rain with the help of serpent deities.
Source: Nepal Tourism Board

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