KATHMANDU, Sept 6: The chariot of Rato Machindranath is being pulled at Patan on Sunday.
The chariot is being pulled from Machhindra Bahal in Pulchowk and will be drawn up to Sorhakhutte Pati in front of Lalitpur Metropolitan Office.
As far as possible, the Machhindranath chariot will be taken to Bungmati by Friday. Machhindranath is considered as the god of rain and good times, according to the legends.
Lalitpur metropolis announces local holiday on Wednesday
Earlier on September 3, a large number of people had gathered at Pulchowk despite the prohibitory orders enforced by the local government to pull the chariot. The local government then had to mobilize security personnel in the area to thwart the attempt by the local people.
Following the incident, Lalitpur District Administration had also enforced curfew order the next day.
However, the locals and the local government have come to an agreement to hold the chariot procession today and pull it 15 to 20 meters further with people from various 19 ethnic groups, according to coordinator of 19th Jatiya Khala Pucha, Chandra Maharjan.
This will end the chariot procession of this year and the Newar community of Patan will observe the Chabayalbu festival.
