Lalitpur, The final day of the chariot procession of the Rato Machhindranath, god of rain and good harvest, is being celebrated as Bhotojatra at Jawalakhel tomorrow.
Also known as the Machhindranath Jatra, it is the longest cultural festival in Nepal. Especially, the original Newar inhabitants of Lalitpur, Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, the three cities in the Kathmandu Valley, celebrate this festival.
Every year, the chariot procession is observed for some two months beginning from the bright half phase in the month of Baisakh to the fourth day of the bright half of the month of Asar according to the lunar calendar. The festival has both cultural and religious significance, according to culture experts.
The tradition of Machhindranath- rathjatra goes back to some 1,600 years.
According to culture expert Satya Mohan Joshi, there is a cultural belief that observing the Bhoto (a velvet vest embroidered with jewels) provides mental relief, peace and good omen to the people.
As per the tradition, a priest takes out the sealed bhoto and shows it to public for three times in the presence of the chief guest at the function. Then it is packed as before.
The Hindu people worship Machhindranath as the saint guru Karunamaya while the Buddhists worship it as Padmapani.
The Bhoto Jatra was begun since the Lichhavi period during the rule of King Gunakama Dev.
Although the then kings used to be chief guest of the Bhoto Jatra ceremonies since the time of King Narendra Dev, the tradition was broken after the monarchy was abolished in the country.
