President Paudel graces bhoto jatra

Lalitpur: President Ramchandra Paudel observed the bhoto jatra festival at Jawalkhel, Lalitpur on Sunday noon.

President Paudel attended the ritualistic festival marking the conclusion of the historic chariot procession of Rato Machchhindranath, the deity of rain and harvest. President Paudel was welcomed by Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan and Chief District Officer of Lalitpur Ramesh Dhakal upon his arrival at Jawalakhel.

He observed the display of bhoto (the mystical jewel-studded vest believed to belong to the Rato Machchhindranath) from the chariot. The bhoto is displayed by the officials of the Guthi Sansthan in the presence of the Head of the State annually in this festival.

President Paudel, on the occasion, offered prayers to Rato Machchhindranath and received prasad. He also paid homage to the living Goddess, Kumari.

Also present on the occasion to observe the festival were Vice-President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Devraj Ghimire, and Chairperson of the National Assembly, Narayan Prasad Dahal, along with other dignitaries.

The annual festival had officially kicked off on April 28 with the enshrinement of the Rato Machchhindranath deity’s idol into the chariot at Pulchowk, Lalitpur. The same idol will be returned to a temple at Bungmati in the district today itself.

The bhoto jatra is believed to date back around 1,600 years.

RSS