The Traditional “Jatras” of Nepal

Rato Macchendranath Jatra (jatra means festival).which begins on the full moon day of Baisakh is the longest as well as the most important festival of Patan (Lalitpur), Nepal. It begins with several days of ceremonies and the fabrication of a wooden-wheeled chariot at Pulchowk, near the Ashoka Stupa. The chariot bears the shrine of the Rato (Red) Macchendranath and carries a very tall spire fabricated from "bamboo poles raised from four ends of the chariot. The Rato Machhendranath is the God who has power over rain and is also known as Karunamaya, the God of mercy. The Buddhists identify him with Lokeshwar...