Seto Machhindranath chariot procession start today

KATHMANDU, March 29:Kathmandu's famous Seto Macchindranath Rath jatra (chariot procession) began today. Every year, the Rath Yatra begins on Chaitra Shukla Ashtami.

Chariot procession begins at 4 PM from Tindhara Pathshala and ends three days later in Lagan.  It is also customary for the president to visit Machhindranath.

From the day of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, the making of 32 cubits high nine storied chariots is started in Tindhara Pathshala located at Durbarmarg. Wood, cane, and rope are used to construct chariots. Guthi Sansthan pays all necessary expenses for chariot construction and Jatra.

According to tradition, the Jatra begins on the day of Chaite Dashain after the main deity of Seto Machhindranath is seated on that chariot. The idol of Lokeshwar in the temple of Machhindra in Kel Tol is brought to the Triadhara Pathshala of Jamal through Kel Tol, Indrachok, Bangemudha, Asan Kamalakshi and seated on a chariot.The chariot then begins to pull.

Chariot procession's route has been determined by Kathmandu Metropolitan City. All types of vehicles are prohibited from entering the roads where the Chariot procession takes place, according to the Metropolitan Municipality.

On March 29th, the chariot is driven to Asan via Tindhara Pathshala, Ghantaghar, Ratnapark, and Bhotahiti.

The Hanumandhoka premises will be reached on March 30th via Asan, Keltol, Indrachok, and Makhan.

The chariot is taken to Lagan Chowk on March 31st via Hanumandhoka Durbar Complex, Maru Tol, Chikmugal, and Jaisedeval Jaibahal. It is customary to greet and feast upon arrival at Machhindranath's Rath Lagan.

This Chariot procession is performed to invoke the blessings of water, prosperity, and long life. Seto Machhindranath is also considered as a mine of compassion. This Jatra is thought to have begun during the reign of King Yaksha Malla of the Malla period.