Lalitpur, May 3

Khat Jatra, the main day of Mahalaxmi Maha Bhairav Jatra, was observed in Lubhu of Lalitpur today. The jatra is celebrated with much fanfare in Lubhu.

Idols of deities Mahalaxmi, Maha Bhairav, Aakash Bhjairav, Kumari, Kumar were kept in the khat (palanquin) and taken around the Lubhu area.

The Khat jatra started on Achhya Tritiya along with the Rato Machhendranath Jatra. The Khat Jatra is observed on Panchami.

The week-long festival is celebrated with feast and entertainment in the company of friends,family and relattives.

It is believed that Ganga Maharani (Queen of Malla regime) in 650 Nepal Sambat started the jatra.

According to an ancient myth, Lubhu was affected by an epidemic.

Ganga Maharani sold her gold plate (‘Lu’ means gold, ‘Bhu’ means plate) to protect the city from the epidemic and started the jatra.

According to cultural expert Padam Shrestha, one out of four wheels of the chariot of Rato Machhendranath is regarded as the representative of the Bhiarav of Lubhu.

So along with the starting of Machhendranath Jatra in Jawlakhel, Khat Jatra also begins in Lubhu.