KATHMANDU, April 26: There is a huge crowd of devotees to see and worship Rato Machhindranath in Gahabhal on Wednesday.
The chariot of the Rato Machhindranath has been pulled to Gabahal. The chariot was pulled from the Bagmati Bridge and taken to Gabahal on Tuesday. Today, a local Jatra (procession) is also being observed in Gabahal. The chariot procession started Monday. But on the same day, it was supposed to reach Gabahal, but it reached there only yesterday.
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The chariot is taken to various places in Patan. The chariot is pulled at Pulchowk, Gabahal, Sundhara via Mahabuddha and Chakubahal to Lagankhel, Podetol and Jawalakhel. During the festival of the Rato Machhindranath Jatra, there is also a festival of dropping coconuts and a festival of Bhoto (black jewel-studded vest) Jatra.
After reaching Jawalakhel, the procession ends with displaying the Bhoto from the chariot. Every day a Jatra is celebrated at the place where the chariot is pulled. It is believed that worshiping the deity brings happiness, peace and prosperity. It is also the longest chariot procession in Nepal. Rato Machhindranath is also called Awalokeshwara and Bunga dya.
