Editorial photo #11222994 Religion and Belief
Rato Machhindranath Chariot Ascension In Nepal
A Nepali priest is carrying the idol of a Buddhist deity from Machhindrabahal ahead of the ascension of Lord Rato Machhindranath in the sky-scraping chariot in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 9, 2024. Known as Nepal's ''Red God,'' Rato Machhindranath, the lord of rain and harvest, is being prepared to ascend over a 32-foot-tall chariot that is set to tour around the city 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 Jatra in Nepal and can last for months, depending largely on astronomical factors. The 32-foot sky-scraping chariot of Rato Machhindranath is constructed annually by the Newar community using wooden beams and precise adjustments to the shrine sanctum, all without using a single nail. It takes about a week for the community to build it, and it is given a final touch-up with decorations before the idol of the lord is placed in the chariot. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)
