The month long chariot pulling festival of Rato Machhindranath concluded after displaying the jewel-studded traditional Nepali vest 'Bhoto' at Jawlakhel on Sunday. The "Bhoto jatra" is observed as part of the Rato Machhindranath Chariot festival. It is an annual cultural cum religious ritual of displaying the black jewel-studded vest 'Bhoto' believed to be of then 'Nagraj', the serpent king.
Rato Machhindranath is worshipped as the god of the rain. Paying homage to Lord Machhindranath is believed to bring good luck and fulfill one's wishes.
Bhoto Jatra being celebrated today
President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and other high-ranking dignitaries grace their presence during the program. On the occasion government announced a public holiday in Kathmandu valley.
According to myth, Nagraja the serpent king gifted a vest (Bhoto) to a farmer which had been stolen by demon.
Later on the demon presents in the Machhindranath Jatra at Lagankhel wearing the same Bhoto. Meanwhile a farmer saw him and demands his Bhoto. But the demon reject to returned the Bhoto.
To settle the dispute between a farmer and a demon for Bhoto, Bhoto was handed to Ratomachhindranath. Since then the Bhoto Jatra is celebrated every year showing Bhoto after the fourht day of a chariot arrived in Jawalakhel as the per the proverbs as, 'Those who claimed will come to take the Bhoto with proof'.
