Rato Machhindranath Festival Begins Today in Kathmandu

Kathmandu — The Rato Machhindranath Jatra (chariot festival) is set to begin today (Tuesday). Celebrated annually from the bright fortnight of the month of Baisakh to the fourth day of the bright fortnight of Ashadh, the festival officially starts today.

Regarded as the deity of rain and prosperity, Rato Machhindranath’s festival begins with the ceremonial placing of the idol onto a chariot. The idol is first taken from Tasi Baha in Lalitpur and carried on a palanquin to Pulchowk, where it is installed on a specially constructed chariot. The festival is considered formally inaugurated once the deity is placed on the chariot.