Rato Machhindranath Jatra

Rato Machhindranath Jatra is the grandest and longest chariot festival in Nepal, stretching over a month as the massive chariot of Bunga Dyah (Rato Machhindranath) is pulled through the ancient streets of Patan. The deity — worshipped as Avalokiteshvara by Buddhists and as a form of Shiva by Hindus — is the guardian rain god of the Kathmandu Valley, and this festival is essentially a prayer for good monsoon rains and a bountiful harvest.

The towering chariot, rebuilt fresh each year from wood, bamboo, and rope, stands over 60 feet tall and is one of the tallest mobile structures in Asia. Hundreds of devotees pull it with thick ropes through Patan's narrow lanes in a stop-start journey that covers several kilometers over weeks. The chariot halts at designated spots (often for days at a time), where special pujas and offerings are made. The route passes through Pulchowk, Gabahal, Sundhara, Lagankhel, and finally reaches Jawalakhel.

The climax is Bhoto Jatra, held at Jawalakhel open ground in the presence of the head of state. A jewel-studded black vest (bhoto) is displayed to the crowd from atop the chariot, shown to the four cardinal directions. Legend holds that two claimants — a farmer and a ghost (or naga king) — both claimed ownership of the vest, and the deity keeps it until the rightful owner appears. No one has claimed it yet.

The festival is a remarkable display of Newar communal organization. Each neighborhood (tole) along the route takes responsibility for pulling the chariot through their section, competing with pride and energy. The atmosphere is festive chaos — drums, cymbals, and the creaking of the massive chariot fill the streets while vendors sell yomari, chatamari, and local rice beer.