Bhoto Jatra celebrated

The Rato Machhindranath Jatra concluded with the display of Bhoto — a jewel-studded vest — to throngs of devotees and revellers in Jawalakhel, Lalitur, today.

Rato Machhindranath is worshiped as the god of rain and harvest, and monthlong celebrations dedicated to him begin in the Kathmandu Valley just before the onset of monsoon and culminate in Bhoto Jatra.

In keeping with the tradition, Lekhnath Sapkota, Chief of Guthi Sansthan (Lalitpur), displayed the bejewelled vest before a huge crowd in the presence of President Ram Baran Yadav.

The Hindus and the Buddhists from the Newar community celebrate the festival by towing the chariot to various places, including Jawalakhel, the venue for Bhoto Jatra. After the Jatra, devotees take the chariot to Bungmati of Lalitpur.

Police said the festival, declared a public holiday in the valley, passed off peacefully. Security was beefed up in and around Patan to prevent untoward incidents.

source: The Himalayan Times,24 June 2012