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Rato Machhindranath Chariot Ascension In Nepal

A Nepali devotee is distributing water on the premises of Machhindrabahal in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 9, 2024. The ''Red God'' of Nepal, commonly known as Rato Machhindranath, the lord of rain and harvest, is being celebrated as his 32-foot-tall towering chariot is prepared to tour around the city in a procession that lasts for weeks. The chariot procession of Rato Machhindranath, also known as ''Bunga Dugh'' in Newari, meaning the God of Rain and Harvest, is the longest festival in Nepal. Its duration extends for months, depending largely on astronomical calculations. The 32-foot towering chariot of Rato Machhindranath is constructed annually by the Newar community. They use wooden beams and make precise adjustments to the shrine sanctum without using a single nail. It takes the community about a week to build the chariot, which is then given a final touch-up with decorations before the deity is placed in the chariot. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#11222988
Date Taken	9 May 2024
Location	N/A
Photographer	Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category	Religion and Belief
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto