President Paudel Performs Special Puja During Seto Machhindranath Chariot Festival in Kathmandu

Kathmandu. President Ramchandra Paudel performed a special puja and worship on Thursday night after the chariot of Seto Machhindranath, a symbol of Kathmandu's historical and cultural significance, reached Asan. President Paudel observed and worshipped the chariot according to traditional rites when the chariot procession, which began from Tindhara Pathshala in Jamal on the occasion of Chaitra Shukla Ashtami, reached the inner city area of Asan.

It is customary every year to place Seto Machhindranath, located in Janabahal, Kathmandu, onto a chariot and parade it around the city. Continuing the long-standing tradition of the head of state worshipping the chariot upon reaching Asan, President Paudel also prayed for the happiness and prosperity of the general public.

Seto Machhindranath is worshipped as the deity of rain and favorable weather, giving this festival a distinct place in the cultural history of the Newar community and the Kathmandu Valley as a whole.

This chariot procession starts from Jamal and concludes at Lagantol after passing through Asan and Hanuman Dhoka. There is enthusiastic participation with various tableaux and musical bands as the chariot is pulled through the narrow streets of Kathmandu's inner city.