Himalayan News Service

Lalitpur, June 11:

The Bhoto Jatra — exhibition of the divine vest, the last day of the longest festival in the Kathmandu valley the Rato Machhendranath Jatra — will be observed on June 22. Thre is a tradition that the royal family graces the display of the Bhoto. A meeting of the selected astrologers yesterday decided to conduct the final pulling of the chariot of the Rato Machhendranath, to bring it to Jawlakhel, on June 19. The final part of the chariot pulling, called Jawla-yaa, is considered to be the most important part of the festival and a select of senior astrologers discuss extensively to declare the auspicious day to prevent the procession for any evil forces.

The final ritual of exhibiting the Bhoto the public takes place four days after the final chariot pulling at Jawlakhel. "The Bhoto Jatra is scheduled to take place on June 22, provided everything remain calm," said Buddhi Raj Bajracharya, the out going mayor of Lalitpur and a member of the managing committee today. He said that the Bhoto Jatra will be take place on the scheduled time even though the repaired chariot is as good as the earlier one.

After the final ceremony, the idol of Rato Machhindranath, will be taken to Bungamati, where it will be kept for some six months.