Kathmandu, April 15:

After the chariot of Seto Machhindranath tumbled down on Sunday, priests claimed that misfortune may strike the country and its citizenry in the near future, while some people ruled out such forecasts.

Priest Ratna Harsha Shakya, who was also injured in the incident, said they would organise shanti and chhayama puja — prayer for peace and pardon — to appease the God. “It is essential to protect the country and countrymen,” said Shakya, the second oldest priest.

Since the chariot of Seto Machhindranath had fallen down before the Royal Massacre in 2001, many people believe that the collapse of Seto Machhindranath chariot could bring disaster in the nation, especially for the Royal family.

Priests said the collapse of the chariot on Sunday could invite unfortunate consequences to the nation, while others said that it is just a superstitious belief.

At least 12 persons were injured when the chariot, being pulled to Lagan from Teen Dhara Pathshala, had fallen down after it lost balance while being rolled in an uneven surface of the road at Ratnapark.

Priest Swyambhu Ratna Bajracharya claimed that the incident occurred due to the power of the God. He accused Guthi Sanstha of using low quality materials to build the chariot. The bad condition of the road also might have resulted in the incident, he added, saying that this could bring unfortunate consequences in the nation.

Babu Kaji Shrestha of Ason said like in the past, some unfortunate event may happen in the country in near future. However, some people dismissed such claims.

Ratna Tandukar of Basantapur said that unfortunate events as claimed may or may not occur in future, adding that it was only a superstitious belief that has been existing from a long time.

Nikita Karmacharya, a student, said that such assumption involves no reality as the development of science and technology is against such beliefs.