Rato Matsyendranath Jatra Begins

Amid a musical and colorful ambience, the great Jatra of Rato Matseyndranath, revered as the deity of rain and good harvest, has begun with a significant participation of devotees and curious onlookers. 

As part of the procession that will cover places including Pulchowk, Gabahal, Sundhara, Lagankhel and Jawalakhel in Lalitpur, devotees pulled the chariot of the deity from Pulchowk, Lalitpur, to Gabahal on May 1 (Baishakh 18). 

At the end of the annual monthlong procession, a jewel-studded vest is displayed amid a crowd of devotees and enthusiasts at Jawalakhel after which the deity is taken to his abode in Bungmati.