KATHMANDU, Aug 4: Bhoto Jatra is being celebrated today, marking the conclusion of the month-long Rato Machhindranath Chariot Festival. 

The festival will end with the display of the jewel-studded traditional Nepali vest, known as 'Bhoto,' at Jawalakhel on Sunday.

Bhoto Jatra is part of the Rato Machhindranath Chariot Festival, an annual cultural and religious event where the black, jewel-studded vest 'Bhoto,' believed to belong to the serpent king Nagraj, is showcased.

Rato Machhindranath is venerated as the god of rain. It is believed that paying homage to Lord Machhindranath brings good fortune and fulfills one's wishes.

In celebration of the event, the government has declared a public holiday in the Kathmandu Valley. A notice issued by the Home Ministry on Friday confirms that the holiday will be observed in the three districts of the Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur.