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Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal

A general view shows revelers packing the road of Lalitpur as the chariot of Rato Macchindranath, the god of rain and harvest, is pulled 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)

Photo Details

Photo ID	#12321537
Date Taken	1 May 2025
Location	N/A
Photographer	Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto

Related Keywords

revelers Lalitpur chariot Rato Macchindranath god of rain harvest Nepal lunar calendar chariot festival Bachhala Nepal Sambat Guru Gorakhnath Patan commoners serpents Naags precipitation drought Narendea Dev teacher Assam Lord Macchendranath rain city locals procession 897 AD annually tradition legend bright fortnight lunar month festival rain god serpents captive Subaas Shrestha NurPhoto May 1st 2025.

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