Bhoto Jatra today

The Rato Machhindranath Jatra will conclude tomorrow with the display of Bhoto — a jewel-studded vest — to throngs of devotees and revellers in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur.

The chariot will be pulled to Jawalakhel tomorrow and the Bhoto displayed tomorrow as per the tradition, according to the Guthi Corporation.

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

In keeping with tradition, chief of Guthi Sansthan (Lalitpur) will display the bejewelled vest before a huge crowd in the presence of President Ram Baran Yadav, according to Guthi. Bhoto Jatra is a public holiday in the Kathmandu Valley. 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 and the festival that began on May 13 from Pulchowk will conclude on Friday.

source: the himalayan ties, 6 june 2013