Rato Macchindranath Jatra

Introduction

Rato Machhindranath is the Buddhist deity of rain and water .And also known as the God of rain. This festival begins on the full moon day of Baisakh(i.e. just before monsoon).

1. The Rato Macchindranath Jatra is the longest and the most important festival of Patan(Lalitpur). 
2. Begins with several days of ceremonies and the fabrication of a wooden-wheeled chariot at Pulchowk, near the Ashoka Stupa. 
3. The chariot bears the shrine of the Rato (Red) Macchendranath (the Tantric expression of Lokeshwar) and carries a very tall spire fabricated from " bamboo poles raised from four ends of the chariot.
4. This unwieldy spire is around 10 meters tall and on account of which, the chariot balances precariously.
5. It is said that calamity is certain to strike the land in the event of the chariot overturning or breaking down during the course of this festival.
6. (Quite often, it does collapse!).Following the construction, the chariot is towed through the streets of Patan by throngs of devotees every day.
7. Each day, it is rested in one of the many venerated spots in the city.
8. This goes on for a month until it comes to rest on the big field outside the zoo(Jawalakhel) and end with the Bhoto Jatra.

Bhoto Jatra:

The major last festival part of Rato Macchindranath Jatra during which the bejeweled 'bhoto'(vest) of  Rato Macchindranath is displayed infront of the public.

Story behind the Bhoto Jatra:

Bhoto Jatra , about the black velvet jeweled bhoto has its own story.Legend has said that it was given to a farmer by Karkot Naga in reward for curing an eye disease , but was stolen .When the farmer was attending Machindranath festival at Jawalakhel , he saw someone wearing the same vest .A quarrel turned into fight between farmer and a man wearing the vest. Karkot Naga was also at the festival in human form .He settled the quarrel and submitted the bhoto to Machindranath for safe-keeping .From that time every year the bhoto is shown to the general public assuring them that it has been kept safely.