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Rato Machhindranath Jatra is a chariot procession carried out before the monsoon season starts(April-May) in Patan, Nepal. Rato means the color red, macchindra means fish and nath means god. So Rato Machhindranath collectively means Red-fish-god. Hundreds of people pull the chariot across the street. Some of the interesting facts about Rato Machhindranath Jatra are:
The chariot length is equal to 32 hands.
It is a popular belief among Hindus in Nepal that Rato Machhindranath is the deity of rain.
This festival is mainly celebrated by the Hindus and Buddhists of Newar community.
Maedeival kings of Kathmandu valley also believed Machhindranath to be the guardian god of Kathmandu valley.
It is the longest running chariot festival of Nepal.
Similar chariot procession also happens in Kathmandu, known as Seto Machhindranath Jatra.
The many names of Rato Machhindranath are Padampani, Lokeswor, Avalokiteswor, Aryavalokotiswor and Karunamaya.
Legend has it that Guru Gorkahnath upon visiting Patan was upset that the natives didn’t recognize him and captured the nags responsible for rain in Kathmandu, then went to meditate. Advisors of then King Narendra Dev requested the King to bring Machhendranath, teacher of Guru Gorakhnath from Assam, India. Upon knowing that his teacher was in Patan , Gorakhnath sent the serpents free. There was plenty of rain afterwards.
King Narendra Dev started the festival of Rato Machhindranath honoring him in 879 AD.
The chariot is mainly built from cane, wood, bamboo and rope.
Bungmati village in Patan is known as the birthplace of lord Machhindranath . Machhindranath temple is located in Bungmati.
Before the festival starts, a cow is donated to the priest.
The chariot is built in Pulchowk days in advance. People of Newar community are responsible for building the chariot.
It generally rains before the festival starts.
Another chariot of Minanath is pulled by young boys.
Various musical instruments are played to encourage the people pulling the chariot. Dhime and bhusya are the traditional instruments played in this procession.
People observe the ceremony from rooftops and sprinkle water to the people to cool them.
When the chariot pulling ends, three rounds of bullet are shot in the air.
When the chariot reaches Lagankhel, a coconut is thrown from the top of the chariot. Whoever catches the coconut offers it to lord Machhindranath and he is said to be blessed with a baby boy and a prosperous year.
Bhoto jatra marks the end of the month long festival.
