LALITPUR, April 19: The chariot installation ceremony of Rato Machhindranath Jatra has taken place in Lalitpur, marking the start of what is considered the longest-running festival in the Kathmandu Valley.
Celebrated annually as a tribute to the god of rain and prosperity, the ritual was carried out on Saturday this year in accordance with the traditional lunar calendar.
Rato Machhindranath's chariot procession begins today
According to the Guthi Sansthan, the chariot construction was completed before the idol of Rato Machhindranath was brought from Machhindrabahal to Pulchowk, where it was placed on the chariot following worshipping rituals.
Barahi Naike Prem Maharjan, who is associated with the chariot construction, said the ceremony was performed in a traditional manner under the guidance of priests Jalpaneju and Khalpaneju.
As per the schedule, the chariot will be pulled from Pulchowk towards Gabahal on Baisakh 8 (April 21) in the evening.
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