Kathmandu, May 24

The bhoto (jewel-studded vest) of Rato Machhendranath, is being displayed tomorrow. The government has announced a public holiday on the occasion.

The bhoto jatra of Rato Machhendranath, the God of rain and good harvest, is displayed every year. Various legends prevail around this festival.

The chariot of Machhendranath is towed to various places of Patan from Pulchowk. The God of the rain and good harvest is worshipped in the places where the chariot is stationed before bringing it to Jawalakhel for the display of the bhoto.

One of the legends about the festival is that Machhendranath was brought from Kamrup Kamakshya during the regime of King Gunakamdev 1400 years ago as the country witnessed drought resulting in 12 years of famine. Rato Macchendranath Jatra is one of the longest festival celebrated in the ancient city of Patan.