KATHMANDU, MAY 30

The government has announced a public holiday in all three districts of the Kathmandu Valley-Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur-on Sunday to mark the Bhoto Jatra, the concluding ceremony of the Rato Machhindranath chariot festival.

Issuing a notice on Friday, the Ministry of Home Affairs said the holiday is granted on the occasion of the Bhoto (vest) display from the chariot of the Matsyendranath, revered as the god of rain and harvest.

The Bhoto Jatra also known as Pwaklo Jatra, with 'Pwaklo' specifically referencing the ves, tfeatures the public display of a black jewel-studded vest believed to belong to the serpent king, Nagraj. The annual ritual signifies the end of the Rato Machhindranath chariot festival, the longest of its kind in the Valley.

The festival begins in Pulchowk, where a 32-foot-high chariot made of cane, wood, and bamboo is constructed. The chariot is then pulled through several traditional routes-Gabahal, Mangalbazaar, Patan Sundhara, Mikhabahal, Lagankhel, Thati, and Kumaripati-before reaching Jawalakhel, the venue for the Bhoto Jatra.

Celebrated by both Hindus and Buddhists of the Newar community, the festival is deeply rooted in local tradition and is dedicated to ensuring rainfall and a good harvest.

Following the Bhoto Jatra, the chariot is taken to Bungmati, where the idol of Rato Machhindranath is kept for several months. It is returned to its temple in Patan only after an auspicious date is determined by the priest.