LALITPUR: The annual Bhoto Jatra Festival of Rato Machhindranath was held in Jawalakhel of Lalitpur on Monday.

During the festival, the bhoto (jewel-studded vest) of the Rato Machhindranath deity was displayed in presence of high-ranking dignitaries.

In presence of President Ram Baran Yadav, Vice-president Paramananda Jha and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli among other, Chief of the Guthi Sansthan, Lalitpur, Rudranath Adhikari displayed the holy vest from all four corners of the chariot.

The Festival should have been held quite earlier, but it was delayed as the bhoto and some jewels of the deity were buried under rubble in the April 25 earthquake in Bungmati of Lalitpur.

The chariot procession of Machhindranath had resumed on September 22. It had arrived in Jawalakhel on Friday after going through and stopping at various thoroughfares of Lalitpur.

A large crowd of people had gathered in and around Jawalakhel today to grace the annual event.

Machhindranath is revered as a god of good harvest and prosperity. Paying homage to Lord Machhindranath is believed to bring good luck and fulfill one's wishes.

The chariot procession will finally come to an end after four days upon reaching the temple of Machhindranath at Bungmati, where the statue would finally be installed.