Rato Machhindranath Festival is the longest running chariot festival in Kathmandu Valley, particularly in Lalitpur. It is an elaborate and vibrant celebration dedicated to God of Rain – Rato Machhindranath. The festival is deeply rooted in mythology and local traditions, blending elements of Hinduism and Buddhism.
The Legend of Rato Machhindranath
The legend of Rato Machhindranath dates back to centuries and is intertwined with the agricultural and cultural heritage of the region. According to the legend, it is said that when saint Gorakhnath came to Kathmandu, people of Kathmandu did not recognize him and did not feed him. So, he was upset and he sat on a deep meditation over the serpents ( Nagas) who are responsible for bringing rain. So there was severe drought in the valley.
The valley’s rulers and priests sought the advice of the wise and revered Gorakhnath, a prominent saint and devotee of Shiva. Gorakhnath suggested that the rain god, Rato Machhindranath, was necessary to bring rain. Gorakhnath was the disciple of Rato Machhindranath.
To end the drought, the people of the valley sought to bring Rato Machhindranath from Assam (now in India). When Rato Machhindranath entered the Kathmandu Valley, saint Gorakhnath stood up in honor of his Guru Rato Machhindratha and thus the serpents were released resulting in rain and ending the drought.
The festival of Rato Machhindranath, therefore, is not only a celebration of the rain god but also an acknowledgment of the spiritual connection between Rato Machhindranath and his disciple Gorakhnath. The festival symbolizes respect for the guru and his teachings.
In gratitude, the people of Kathmandu began the annual Rato Machhindranath Jatra to honor the rain god and ensure continued blessings of rain and prosperity.
The festival begins with the construction of a massive, ornate chariot for Rato Machhindranath. The chariot is built using traditional methods and materials by skilled artisans. The highlight of the festival is the procession of the chariot through the streets of Lalitpur. The chariot, carrying the idol of Rato Machhindranath, is pulled by devotees using thick ropes. The procession visits various parts of the city, with stops at important shrines and courtyards. Throughout the festival, numerous rituals and ceremonies are performed by priests and devotees. These include offerings of flowers, rice, and other sacred items to the deity.
The festival concludes with the Bhoto Jatra, where a sacred bejeweled vest (bhoto) is displayed to the public from the chariot with grandeur and reverence.
The Legend of Bhoto Jatra
The origins of the festival are rooted in legend and mythology. According to legend, a Naga (serpent) king had a severe eye ailment. A farmer, who was known for his knowledge of traditional medicine, cured the Naga king’s eyes. In gratitude, the Naga king gifted the farmer a priceless bejeweled vest (bhoto). The farmer wore the bhoto proudly, but it caught the eye of a rakshasa (demon) who stole it. The farmer, distraught, searched far and wide for his precious vest. During the Rato Machindranath Jatra, the farmer spotted the thief wearing the bhoto. A dispute ensued, and the king intervened. Unable to determine the rightful owner, the king decided that the vest would remain safe with the priest of the Rato Machhendranath chariot, until the true owner could be identified.
Since then, every year, on the final day of the month long Rato Machindranath Jatra, the Bhoto is ceremoniously displayed by the government dignitaries from the chariot at Jawalakhel. This act is witnessed by the king (now by high-ranking government officials), religious leaders, and thousands of devotees.
After the jatra the bhoto is stored alongside the statue of Rato Machhendranath, which is later taken to the temple of Rato Machhendranath.
The bhoto-showing ceremony is always blessed with the presence of the living goddess, Kumari of Patan. She watches the entire ceremony and blesses the crowd.
