KATHMANDU May 11: A plan for Rato Machhendranath chariot to be pulled from Lagankhel to Jawalakhel on 22 May has been made. According to the calculations made by astrologers, it is best to pull the chariot towards the west from Lagankhel on May 22. Astrologers think it’s best to move the chariot at 3:49 in the afternoon.
The chariot of Rato Machhendranath, the deity of rain and the seasons, is pulled around different locations in Lalitpur every year. It is said that while one can pray for anything like a good education, wealth, and peace, one should not ask for changes to their appearance. The Rato Machhendranath procession is the longest one among all processions celebrated in Nepal.
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Rato Macchendranath’s journey begins on Baisakh Shukla Pratipada and goes on until Ashad Shukla Chaturthi of the lunar calendar, lasting about two months. On the last day of the chariot’s journey, there is a Bhoto-showing event. The chariot’s procession route starts in Pulchowk, passing through Gahabhal, Mangalbazaar, Sundhara, Lagankhel, Ititol, and finally, Jawalakhel. The procession ends with Macchendranth being taken to Bungmati in a small carriage. Legend has it that the procession’s origin was when the king at the time, Narendra Dev, started it after his kingdom experienced 12 years of famine.
