Rota Macchendranath Rath Jatra (Patan, Nepal) - रोता मछेंद्रनाथ रथ जात्रा
This is the most important festival of the town of Patan and lasts for almost a month. It begins with several days of ceremonies and the fabrication of a wooden-wheeled chariot at Pulchowk, near the Ashoka Stupa(A pillar erected by the great Indian Emperor and follower of Buddhism, Ashoka).
The chariot bears the shrine of God Rato Macchendranath and carries a very tall spire fabricated from bamboo poles tied together from four ends of the chariot.
This unwieldy spire is around 10 meters tall and makes the chariot very unstable. It is believed that misfortune will strike the land if the chariot overturns or breaks down during the course of this festival.
When completed, the chariot is pulled through the streets of the town by throngs of devotees everyday. Each day, it is put to rest in one of the many sacred spots in the town.
When this festival ends, another equally colorful and exciting festival, known as the "Bhoto Jatra" begins.
The chariot bears the shrine of God Rato Macchendranath and carries a very tall spire fabricated from bamboo poles tied together from four ends of the chariot.
This unwieldy spire is around 10 meters tall and makes the chariot very unstable. It is believed that misfortune will strike the land if the chariot overturns or breaks down during the course of this festival.
When completed, the chariot is pulled through the streets of the town by throngs of devotees everyday. Each day, it is put to rest in one of the many sacred spots in the town.
When this festival ends, another equally colorful and exciting festival, known as the "Bhoto Jatra" begins.