Rato Matsyendranath Chariot taking its Shape (Photo Feature)

Kathmandu: The construction of Rato Matsyendranath (God of the rain and weather)’s chariot has been going on.

Rato Matsyendranath Jatra, which is the longest festival in Kathmandu, is believed to be more than 1600 years old. The festival is celebrated between Baishak Shukla Pratipada and Asar Shukla Chauti.; i.e. 2 months of duration. This year’s festival will begin on 11 May (Baishak 29, 2081).

Likewise, 23 Guthiyars (Guthi members) from Patan Barahi Guthi and 12 from Yanwa Guthi are involved in the construction of the Rato Matsynedranath’s chariot.

Seto Matsyendranath chariot construction in final stage (Photo Feature)

To avoid any kind of breakages, while in the chariot procession, bamboo is used from top to bottom as an important raw material for the chariot. Bamboo which is solid from the inside, known as cane, is used for construction due to its flexible nature.

The chariot workers are forbidden to wear shoes and leather material while constructing the chariot.

Hindus worship Rato Matsyendranath as a historical saint Guru Karunamay. Buddhists worship Rato Matsyendranath as “Padmapani” (4th Buddha of Panchabuddha).

(Glimpses of Rat Matsynedranath chariot construction)

(Photo Courtersy: Saroj Basent)

Nepali version of news article