Machhindranath chariot procession begins

LALITPUR, APR 23: The chariot procession of the Rato Machhindranath for the festival that is celebrated once in 12 years began today in Bungmati in Lalitpur.

Rato Machhindranath is worshipped as the god of good harvest and rain by both Hindus and Buddhists. The festival is known as Barha Barshe Rath Yatra (chariot procession that comes in 12 years).

The chariot procession kicked off from Bungmati, not from the usual place Pulchowk, as the festival is not regular one this time, as it comes in every 12 years, said Rudranath Adhikari, Chief of Guthi Sansthan Lalitpur.

The chariot pulling started at 3pm pm today with a priest offering a special puja as per the rituals.

Around 3,000 people including locals, revellers and those involved in constructing the chariot joined the chariot procession today.