Bhoto Jatra in Jawalakhel Today: Sacred Finale of Rato Machhindranath Festival Amid Chariot Tradition

Lalitpur-The Bhoto Jatra of Rato Machhindranath is being observed today in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur. The ritual marks the ceremonial conclusion of the long-standing Rato Machhindranath chariot festival, with the Bhoto (a sacred vest) scheduled to be displayed in the presence of the Head of State and officials from the Guthi Sansthan.

The Bhoto display is expected to take place after 4 PM today. During the event, the sacred vest is traditionally shown to the public as well as distinguished guests, symbolizing the formal completion of the festival. Rato Machhindranath is regarded as Nepal’s longest cultural and religious festival, deeply rooted in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

The chariot procession began on Baisakh Shukla Pratipada, with the deity placed on a 32-hand-high chariot that was pulled through Pulchowk, Mangalbazar, Sundhara, Lagankhel, and Kumaripati before reaching Jawalakhel. After reaching Jawalakhel, the chariot is kept for four days before the Bhoto display ritual is performed.

Following the Bhoto Jatra, the idol of Rato Machhindranath will be taken to Bungmati and placed in a ceremonial palanquin, while Min Nath will remain on the chariot and be moved to a temple in Tangal Tole, Patan.

Traditionally, thousands of people from across the Kathmandu Valley gather in Jawalakhel to celebrate and share communal feasts on this day. In previous years, celebrations extended to the Jawalakhel Zoo premises and the playground area. However, this year the festivities are limited to the playground only.

The decision comes after avian influenza (bird flu) was confirmed among some animals at the central zoo, leading to its indefinite closure from yesterday. As a result, the usually crowded zoo premises remain unusually quiet today, even on one of the most significant cultural days of the year in the Valley.