THE Rato Macchindranath or Bunga Dugh in Newa chariot festival, one of Nepal’s most revered festivals, has begun in the ancient town of Patan, Lalitpur, traversing through the sea of devotees on Thursday, the longest chariot procession of Nepal.
The festival, which honours the God of Rain and Harvest, features a 42-foot-tall chariot carrying the deity through the streets, accompanied by traditional music and rituals.
The festival is deeply rooted in Nepalese culture and folklore. According to legend, the chariot procession was started in 897 AD to commemorate Lord Macchendranath’s feat of bringing rain to the city of Patan after a severe drought. The festival celebrates the deity’s power to bring prosperity and rainfall to the region.
The chariot is constructed annually by the Newa community using wooden beams and traditional craftsmanship, without using a single nail. The procession runs for over a month and is led by troupes of musical performers and features traditional rituals and ceremonies.
“The preparations start a month before. Jatra brings vibrancy and cheerful moments to us. We are always happy to be involved and hold training to play the musical instruments, which gives us the satisfaction and continues the tradition,” Ujjwal, one of the members of the performing musical troupe, told ANI. — ANI # The Global New Light of Myanmar