Kathmandu: Preparations have officially begun for the renowned Rato Machhindranath Jatra, one of the most significant cultural festivals in the Kathmandu Valley, with the construction of the ceremonial chariot now underway in Lalitpur.
Artisans and workers engaged in the construction at Pulchowk have expressed confidence that the chariot will be completed on schedule. The process is being carried out with traditional expertise passed down through generations.
The Guthi Sansthan Office in Lalitpur is overseeing the overall management of the chariot procession. The festival honors Rato Machhindranath, revered as the god of rain and harvest, and holds deep cultural and religious importance for the local community.
A total of 23 members from the Barahi Guthi of Patan and 12 Guthiyars from the Nwa Guthi are actively participating in the construction work, ensuring that traditional methods are preserved.
The Rato Machhindranath Rath Yatra is recognized as the longest-running chariot festival in Lalitpur. During the festival period, the towering chariot is pulled through various neighborhoods across the city, drawing large crowds of devotees and visitors alike.
