Rato Machhendranath Jatra
- Name (English)
- Rato Machhendranath Jatra
- Type
- Festival
- Description
Rato Machhendranath Jatra
The Rato Machhendranath Jatra is Nepal's longest chariot festival, celebrated in Patan (Lalitpur) over several weeks or months.
Key Facts
- The chariot of Rato Machhendranath (revered as the god of rain, harvest, and compassion) is pulled through the streets of Patan.
- The festival runs for approximately 2 to 4 months, usually starting from the month of Chaitra.
- It concludes with the historic Bhoto Jatra (showing of the jeweled vest), traditionally witnessed by the President of Nepal.
- Rato Machhendranath (also known as Karunamaya or Lokeswor) is worshipped with equal reverence by both Hindus and Buddhists.
- Religious Association
- Hindu & Buddhist
- Region / Province
- Patan (Lalitpur)
- Cultural Significance
- Longest chariot festival in Nepal; deity is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists