Chariot Procession Of Seto Macchindranath, Hindu God Of Rain And Harvest Starts In Nepal

Click image to zoom

Chariot Procession Of Seto Macchindranath, Hindu God Of Rain And Harvest Starts In Nepal

Mayor Balen Shah, dressed in a black robe and glasses, is distributing offerings from the chariot of Seto Machhindranath in Kathmandu, Nepal, on April 16, 2024. The chariot procession, which honors the god of rain and is also known as Jana Baha Dyah Jatra, involves pulling the towering chariot of Seto Machindranath from one place to another over the course of three days. Each day, when the chariot reaches its destination, a group of soldiers is firing their rifles into the air. According to legend, during the reign of Yakshya Malla, the King of Kantipur, people would bathe in a holy river and visit Swayambhunath, believed to grant the power to send souls to heaven after death. When Yamraj, the God of Death, learned of Swayambhunath's power and visited the temple, he was captured upon his return by King Yakshya Malla and his Guru, who demanded immortality. Unable to escape, Yamraj prayed to Arya Awalokiteshwor (Seto Machhindranath) for freedom. The god, appearing white and with half-closed eyes, emerged from the water and instructed the king to build a temple at the confluence of the Kalmati and Bagmati rivers and to organize a chariot procession so that he could visit the people and bless them with happiness and longevity. Since then, this three-day-long procession has been celebrated to honor the god. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)


Photo Details


Usage Guidelines

Editorial Use Only. Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Contact us for licensing inquiries

Related Keywords

License This Photo

Total Price
35.00
Secure checkout

2026 NurPhoto. All rights reserved. This image is the property of NurPhoto and is protected under international copyright laws.