Photos : Milan Poudel

The month long chariot pulling festival of Rato Machindranath concluded with the displaying of Bhoto or the jewel-studded vest at Jawlakhel, Lalitpur on Friday.

The displaying of the Bhoto of the Rato Machhindranath deity was held in presence of high-ranking dignitaries at Jawalakhel on Monday.

As the government had provided public holiday inside the Kathmandu valley a large crowd of people had gathered in and around Jawalakhel today to grace the annual event.

Machhindranath is revered as a god of good harvest and prosperity. Paying homage to Lord Machhindranath is believed to bring good luck and fulfill one's wishes.

Hira Bahadur Shrestha, 73, was providing water to devotees who had come to observe the festival. When asked about why he was doing so, he answered “It is our culture and it is the least I can do for the visitors who come to observe the Jatra.”

Along with presence of  President Bidaya Devi Bhandari, vice president Nanda Kishor Pun, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and House Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar also showed up to observe the Bhoto Displaying ceremony.  

Dhand Bahadur Ketee, 72, a local residence of Bhaktapur said he has been participating in the festival from past more than 50 years he feels though the participant in the fest is increasing every year but the charisma of festival is decreasing. “Many of the participants who come to observe the festival are unaware of the importance of this festival which is decreasing the charm of the festival,” said Ketee.  

The chariot procession will finally come to an end after four days upon reaching the temple of Machhindranath at Bungmati, where the statue would be finally installed.

Lalitpur Guthi Sanstan's Chairman Baikuntha Acharya shows Bhoto to the people from Ratomachhindra Chariot on the occasion of Bhoto Jatra at Jawalakhel on Friday July 29 2016.