Rato Machhindranath Chariot Procession Continues in Lalitpur

Lalitpur. The chariot of the famous Rato Machhindranath in Lalitpur is being pulled from Gabahal to Mangalbazar today. A large crowd of devotees has gathered since early morning to seek the blessings and catch a glimpse of Machhindranath, who is considered the god of rain and good harvest.

On Tuesday, the chariot was pulled from Pulchowk to Gabahal. Locals describe the journey from Pulchowk to Gabahal as grand and enthusiastic. Today marks the local festival or 'Jatra' in the Gabahal area. On the occasion of the festival, the Gabahal area has been crowded with devotees performing worship since the morning.

According to tradition, the festival is celebrated and worship is performed throughout the day in Gabahal. After the local festival concludes, the chariot is scheduled to be pulled to Mangalbazar in the afternoon. This famous chariot procession in Patan is one of the longest festivals in Nepal.

There is a religious belief that Machhindranath is worshipped to bring rain to the valley. It is tradition to keep the chariot in Mangalbazar for a few days after it arrives there, before moving it to other destinations.