Editorial photo #13147529 Economy, Business and Finance
Seto Machhindranath Painting Ritual In Nepal
A priest paints the idol of Seto Machhindranath at Janabahal (Kel Tole) in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 1, 2026, in the days following the annual religious holy bath ritual. The painting work is part of preparations after the ritual cleansing, after which the deity is reinstalled at the temple through traditional rites. Seto Machhindranath, also revered as Avalokiteshwor or Karunamaya, is regarded as the god of rain and is worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists, who pray for timely rainfall to prevent drought during the rice cultivation season. The Seto Machhindranath jatra is scheduled to take place in the coming months. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto)
