Lights for Rato
(Part 1 of several posts about the Rato Machhindranath Festival in Nepal)
Kathmandu, Nepal – This was a very small scene from a very large festival. The “Rato Machhindranath” Chariot festival takes place once a year (in June) in Kathmandu just before the rainy season asking the god of rain and fertility for a good growing season. Also known as “Bhoto Jatra” or Vest Festival, a Chariot is built with a 60 foot spire on top that is pulled through the city by dozens of young men. This Chariot holds inside it the jewel studded vest that was gifted to a farmer from the serpent god Karkotaka Naga.
This Festival, ongoing since around 897 AD, was fascinating to watch in person. It was beautiful, chaotic and a bit scary at times. We arrived at the end of the month long festival.
To be continued!
