Rato Machindranath Jatra | Machindranath Bhoto Jatra

Rato Machhindranath Jatra (Festival).

The local Festival of Rato Machhindranath, “Vest festival” (Bhoto Jatra), is held each year in our country, Nepal. It is the longest-running chariot Festival in Nepal. This festival, which takes place at Patan, is exclusive to the valley rain god. They hold this chariot festival according to the lunar calendar; hence, the festival date is unpredictable. It begins on the fourth day of Bachhal‘s bright fortnight, the seventh month of the lunar calendar, Nepal Sambat. This Jatra lasts a whole month. So, they build a chariot with a height of 60 feet at Pulchowk to mark the beginning of the festival.

The image of Rato Machindranath (god of rain) from his temple takeout when the chariot is complete Devotees are struggling to pull the chariot to various localities in Patan. Also accompanied by another smaller chariot is Rato Machindranath. Which is known as ‘Mimnath.’ Then the Revellers drag the chariots from Natole, Gabahal, Mangal Bazaar, Sundhara, Lagankhel, and Kumaripati through the streets of Lalitpur and rest at Jawalakhel. A few days after the chariot gets to Jawalakhel, they celebrate Bhoto Jatra.

They assume it brought Rato Machhindranath from Assam when Kathmandu suffered from a dry period. He blessed the valley with rain and was thus regarded as the rain god of the valley. They also venerate Rato Machchhindranath as the Padmapani Lokeshwar, Avalokiteshwor, and other Buddhist deities. The festival, which is over 1600 years old, has many legends about it. The various stories may have various characteristics, but the story is the same: drought in the Kathmandu Valley. And people seek aid from the rain god, Rato Machhindranath, to end it.

One of the famous legends says “Gorakhnath” came to Patan once, and no one knew his true identity. Nobody gave him some food because the commoners didn’t know who he was. He caught the NAGS (serpents) who were responsible for the rain in the valley and meditated to punish the people. An extreme drought struck the valley, with the Nags in captivity. Advisers advised the king, Narendra Dev, to bring Goraknath‘s teacher from Assam, India. By doing so, they hoped it would stop the drought. They had brought Rato Machhindranath into the valley from Assam, as recommended.

Hearing that his teacher was in Patan, Goraknath freed the serpents and went to meet him. As soon as they were free, the serpents produced rain, which rescued the valley from extreme drought. Since the serpents have returned, we believe rain always comes before they pull the rath. In particular, to wash away all the people’s impurities and sins. The locals worshipped Rato Machhindranath, and King Narendra Dev opened the festival in 897 A.D.

Different Newari instruments, such as Dhime Baajaa and flutes, and other instruments special to the Newar group are in place along with the rath. In 879 AD, King Narendra Dev started the custom of pulling the rath to honour Rato Machindranath. As per tradition, women pull the rhythm on some days; this part of the procession of pulling the rhythm is only women saying Yakah Misaya Bhyjya.

Different Lakhes are brought out by gods and goddesses, as the Lakhes will bring to their bodies the consciousness of the gods. The Lakhes parade the town with music accompanying them and various offerings to the Lakhes, and people are likely to watch as the Lakhe dance to the music tunes, eat raw meat, and gulp down gallons of alcohol.

After three rounds of gunfire, the chariot-pulling competition is over. Wherever the trolley stops for the day, street vendors take advantage of the clean location. In short, set up the next day’s store. There are lots of people who line up, offering prayers and hoping to get a glimpse of the beautiful god inside the chariot.

During the chariot-pulling process, there are some fascinating moments, like when the chariot reaches a place called “THALI,” where only women of all ages take charge of the massive chariot and pull it for a few meters. When it reaches Lagankhel,’ the chariot’s zenith is thrown away. I think anyone who catches the coconut has an auspicious year ahead. In addition to the festival, now a part of Rato Machhindranath Jatra, ‘BHOTE JATRA’ marks the end of the long and vibrant festival. Thousands of people throng to see the grand ‘BHOTO’ on display on the fourth and last day when the chariot enters ‘JAWALAKHEL’. A sighting of the ‘BHOTO’ is thought to bring good luck. ‘BHOTO’ in Nepal means the inner vest one wears before putting on one’s clothing.

The legend associated with ‘BHOTO JATRA’ is very popular. As the legend goes, once this diamond vest was a gift from the ‘Karkat Nag, In particular, the snake king crusted Bhoto for curing his queen’s eye ailment. Thus, while working in his field, the farmer lost the Bhoto. He later saw a man wearing the same vest during the Rato Machhindranth Jatra, which led to a quarrel between the two men. During the Jatra, the ‘Karkat NAG,’ which had provided the farmer with the vest, was present and resolved the dispute by offering the vest to Rato Machidranth. It also says that anyone who brings evidence of the BHOTO should have it. Until then, it remains in the deity’s custody.

The Rato Machhindranath Jatra celebrating each year. This is expecting someone to present Bhoto as actual proof. They return Rato Machhindranath to the ‘BUNGAMATI’ temple after Bhote Jatra, where he will stay until next year. It removes even the chariot. The month-long celebration by both Buddhist and Hindu Newars in the Kathmandu Valley is a Thanksgiving festival, and one counts one’s blessings! If you intend to visit Nepal, Keep in mind that in mid-May, just before the monsoon period, you’ll have time to see this incredible Jatra. If you have time, never miss out.