Editorial photo #11454727 Politics

Nepal Observes Centuries Old Bhoto Jatra Festival

Priests are taking out the idol of Rato Macchindranath (Center), Nepal's Red God, upon the completion of the longest-running chariot procession of Nepal after the completion of Bhoto Jatra in Lalitpur, Nepal, on August 4, 2024. The 'Bhoto' or jewel-studded vest is being shown to the public on the last day of Rato Machhindranath Jatra, symbolizing the end of the longest Jatra and the start of the festivities. It is a tradition that has been followed for a long time, and the Bhoto has remained unclaimed since then. The Bhoto displayed annually at Jawalakhel in Lalitpur has pearls and jewels attached to it. The jewel-studded vest is being packed and kept inside the cloth pouch for a year and opened only in the presence of the State head on a particular day fixed by the priests when the Rato Machhindranath Jatra commences. The showing of the vest on that particular day is showing it to be safe with the state and inviting whoever is the owner of the vest to come and claim it. This practice, which has run for a long time now, is becoming an integral part of the month-long festival. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)