Editorial photo #11222992 Religion and Belief
Rato Machhindranath Chariot Ascension In Nepal
A Nepali devotee is offering incense sticks to Lord Rato Machhindranath at Machhindrabahal in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 9, 2024. Known as Nepal's ''Red God,'' Rato Machhindranath, the lord of rain and harvest, is being honored with a 32-foot-tall chariot that will tour around the city for weeks. The chariot procession of Rato Machhindranath, also known as ''Bunga Dugh'' in Newari, which means the God of Rain and Harvest, is the longest festival in Nepal. Its duration varies widely, depending on astronomical calculations. The 32-foot-tall chariot is constructed annually by the Newar community, who 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 Lord Machhindranath is enshrined in it. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)
