Raato Macchendranath Rath Jatra

Macchendranath, 'Lord of the Fishes,'now bathed and re-painted arrives in Pulchowk where his lavish ratha (chariot) awaits every spring. The mighty `Kaskot Raja', the serpent god has come along too and is looking over the throne, from above the beams while four powerful and terrifying Bhairab spirits sit on the wheels to frighten the evil away. This name of this crimson faced deity, Macchendranath comes from the word, Maacha meaning fish and is adored by both Hindus and Buddhists alike. With more names than nature's seasonal cycles, Bungadeo, Karunamaya, Bodhisatwa, Avalokiteshwara are just a few names for this beloved god of rain, harvest and compassion.

Tens of thousands come to see their benevolent deity on a moonlit April fortnight. The streets resonate with the cheers of the devotees: the constant music of Dhimey - drum and Bhusya is both diabolical and spiritual as the ratha now journeys down to the streets of Patan from Pulchowk. People crowd to the chariot's nightly resting place with offerings while locals engage in traditional music, dance and feasts.

The grand finale of this procession is the Bhoto Jatra. in which. Macchendranath's symbolic and sacred bhoto (vest) is displayed at Jawlakhel. The Kumari of Patan is invited to witness this celebration and the event is always followed by rain. so is believed. Please bring along your umbrellas/raincoats to witness the occasion.