KATHMANDU, JUNE 1
President Ramchandra Paudel observed the Bhoto Jatra festival at Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, on Sunday afternoon.
The President attended the traditional ceremony, which marks the conclusion of the historic chariot procession of Rato Machchhindranath-the deity of rain and harvest.
Upon his arrival at Jawalakhel, President Paudel was received by Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan and Chief District Officer Ramesh Dhakal.
He witnessed the ritual display of the bhoto-a mystical, jewel-studded vest believed to belong to Rato Machchhindranath-from atop the chariot. This symbolic act is performed annually by officials of the Guthi Sansthan in the presence of the Head of State.
On the occasion, President Paudel offered prayers to Rato Machchhindranath, received prasad, and paid homage to the Living Goddess, Kumari.
Also in attendance were Vice-President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Speaker of the House of Representatives Devraj Ghimire, and Chairperson of the National Assembly Narayan Prasad Dahal, along with other dignitaries.
The annual festival officially commenced on April 28 with the enshrinement of the idol of Rato Machchhindranath into the chariot at Pulchowk, Lalitpur.
The same idol will be returned to its temple in Bungamati later today. The Bhoto Jatra festival is believed to date back nearly 1,600 years.
