With the celebration of Bhoto jatra in Patan, the longest jatra in Nepal has come to an end. Bhoto Jatra is a public holiday in Kathmandu Valley as people from across the valley arrive in Patan to participate in the celebration.
This is a part of the month-long chariot procession of Rato Machhindranath Jatra. It originates at Pulchowk where a chariot made of wood without the use of iron nails is created and the procession ends at Jawalakhel.
In Bhoto Jatra a bejewelled Nepali vest called bhoto of Rato Machindranath is displayed to the public as per tradition.
Bhoto Jatra relates the incident of finding the real owner of a divine vest that was gifted to a farmer by a serpent king.
A 60-foot tall spire fabricated from bamboo poles and tree branches is raised and it is carried by the wooden chariot. Rato Machchindranath is worshipped by the devotees and they offer eggs, savoury delicacies, fruits and flowers to the deity.
On this occasion, people play music from traditional Nepali instruments and dance to the tune in groups. A fair is organised in Jawalakhel marking Bhoto Jatra. This festival is the symbol of rain and fertility in Kathmandu Valley.
By, Sweta Singh, Kathmandu