KATHMANDU, APRIL 28

Lalitpur Metropolitan City has announced a local public holiday on Wednesday on the occasion of "Coconut Dropping Day," observed during the Rato Machhindranath Rath Jatra.

All offices under the Metropolitan City, along with its subordinate bodies, will remain closed, as a large number of residents are expected to participate in the Jatra, Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan said.

The chariot procession, bearing Rato Machhindranath, commenced from Pulchowk in Lalitpur on April 21. The chariot is being pulled through Gabahal, Mangalbazar, and Sundhara en route to Lagankhel.

Upon reaching its destination, the traditional Bali Puja is performed, followed the next day by the ceremonial dropping of a coconut from the apex of the chariot.

The "Coconut Dropping" ritual, held in the Lagankhel area as an integral component of the Jatra, is imbued with profound religious and cultural significance.

The Metropolitan City stated that the holiday has been declared in deference to longstanding tradition, in view of the anticipated mass public participation.