Rato Machhindranath chariot procession begins

Nepal, Kathmandu, April 22: The Rato Machhindranath Jatra — a cultural and religious festival of Patan — begins from Tuesday evening, drawing huge crowds of devotees.

The chariot, built at Pulchowk, is pulled toward Gabahal amid traditional music. At Lagankhel, it circles the sacred Maju Sima tree, believed to symbolize the mother of Rato Machhindranath.

After staying in Lagankhel for a few days, the chariot is pulled by women to Thati, where it rests until an auspicious date is set for its journey to Jawalakhel. Along the route, it passes through key areas such as Mangal Bazaar, Sundhara, and Gabahal.

The festival concludes at Jawalakhel with Bhoto Jatra, where the sacred vest of the deity is displayed.

The procession begins with placing the idol inside the chariot’s sanctum. Devotees from across the country gather in Patan, and local residents invite relatives to take part in the celebrations. During the month-long festival, women are allowed to pull the chariot on one special day known as the “Women’s Festival.”

The chariot—around 50 feet tall—is the tallest in Nepal and is pulled using large ropes from both sides, making it a striking spectacle.

Historians trace the origin of the festival to Narendra Deva, who is believed to have introduced it in 879 AD.