SANN News
The god of rain and contemporaries, concludes with aprocession. It is believed that this procession has been going on since the time of Lichhavi king Narendradev. Bhoto Jatra is celebrated on the occasion of concluding the rath yatra of Rato Machhindranath, famous as the longest procession of Nepal celebrated in Kathmandu Valley. Bhoto Jatra Legend According to the historical legend, at one time Nagraj Karkotak of Toudah had given many precious gem-encrusted Bhoto gifts to the farmer Vaidya who cured his snake eye disease. One day, Vaidya, who had gone out to dig the field, put the Bhoto in the field and started working. Bhoto was not found when he returned home in the evening. He returned home sad. At the same time, Machhindranaths procession was going on in the city. Hoping to meet Bhoto, he went to the crowd to watch Machhindranaths procession.
The farmer asked for his Bhoto when he saw a demon-like ghost wearing the bhoto. The ghost refused the day. The two began arguing and quarreling. After acommotion in the crowd, the two were taken to the king. The king could not decide who Bhoto belonged to because he did not have enough evidence. He said that Bhoto would remain in the custody of Machindranath until he came with witnesses or evidence. After that, announcing the decision to give to those who come with Dashi evidence, the king showed Bhoto A brief review on Major Nepali Festivals/ 13 to everyone three times. Sincethen, Bhoto has been shown in Jawalakhel of Lalitpur every year. Every year, on the day of Akshaya Tritiya, Machhindranath is taken on a chariot ride in the month of Baisakh Shukla Pratipada and peace is restored. It is customary to start the Rath Yatra from Pulchowk through various places of the town,Gawhahal, Sundhara, Lagankhel and take it to Jawalakhel. A rath yatra has been organized for the people of the city to pay obeisance to their favorite deity Shri Padmapani Avalokiteshvara.
There is a belief that visiting Bhoto, which is associated with Machhindranath and other precious gems like Manimanik, will bring the desired results and will remove anxiety and bring peace. There is no fixed date of this procession as Bhoto will be shown from the tower of the chariot on the fourth day after pulling Machhendranath chariot from Thatitol to Jawalakhel on the site given by the astrologer. After the Bhoto Jatra, Machhindranaths Rath Yatra ends. After that, Machhindranath is taken down from the chariot and placed on an ancient artistic bed and taken from Jawalakhel to the Bungamati temple for six months.
