Rato Machhindranath Jatra is one of the most
significant festivals in Patan. An entire chariot is erected from the wood and
bamboo from selected forests of the country having religious importance.
The festival is commenced by a Paaneju priest
placing the idol of Rato Machindranath inside the chariot. As Rato
Machhindranath is a deity worshipped by many Hindus and Buddhists in the
valley, the chariot is carried through a number of places in and around
Lalitpur including Gabahal, Sundhara, and Lagankhel.
Rato Machhindranath is also worshipped as Padmapani
Lokeshwor, Avalokiteshvara and Aryavalokitesvara and Karunamaya. He is believed
to have been brought from Assam when Kathmandu valley was suffering from a long
drought. He blessed the valley with rain then and is still worshipped to
welcome the rainy season.
The festival comes to an end on Bhoto Jatra
when an elegant Bhoto(vest) is shown from the chariot to the public. Then
the chariot is dismantled and the idol of Machindranath is kept at a temple in
Bungamati village for next six months.