Bhoto Jatra

                                                                                                              Last Updated Jun 7, 2013 8:00am
                                                                
             Bhoto Jatra, ends the month-long celebration of Rato Machhendranath Jatra. The chariot with an idol of Rato Machhendranath deity resembles the god of rain, according to local beliefs. It is taken to Lagankhel via Pulchowk, Gabahal, Mangalbazar and Sundhara.

           This is the longest as well as the most important festival of Patan that begins with several days of ceremonies and fabrication of a wooden wheeled chariot at Pulchowk. The chariot carries a 60-feet tall spire fabricated from bamboo poles raised from its all four ends.

           With the beginning of the month-long ritual, the chariot is paraded through the streets of Patan for  several weeks. The procession moves to Gabahal, Hakha, Sundhara and many other places in Patan. It is taken to Lagankhel, where it rests for over 4 days, finally to Jawalakhel.

             According to a legend, Yogi Gorakhnath came to seek alms in Patan but did not receive any from the locals. The furious Yogi forced all the rain-showering serpents under his seat and started meditating. There was no rain in Patan for ages and on the advice of the astrologers and pundits, the king of Patan invited Machhendranath, Gorakhnath’s teacher, in Patan. Learning that his teacher was in Patan, the Yogi went to see him freeing the rain showering serpents from his seat, which led to plenty of rain in the town. Thus, culture experts claim that this festival symbolizes rain and fertility.

              The fourth day of the chariot’s arrival at Jawalakhel is celebrated as Bhoto Jatra on Jawalakhel ground. On the day of Bhoto Jatra a bejeweled bhoto (vest) of Machhendranath is displayed before the public and other dignitaries.