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Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal

Nepali revelers pull the chariot of the Rato Macchindranath, the god of rain and harvest, in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 1, 2025. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan but is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive. As the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for the precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Macchendranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Macchendranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city since 897 AD. It is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

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