Editorial photo #13594041 Religion and Belief

Nepal’s Longest Chariot Festival Begins With Ascension Of “Red God”

A Nepali devotee climbs the chariot of Rato Machhindranath in Lalitpur, Nepal, on April 18, 2026. The Rato Machhindranath Chariot festival, which spans several weeks based on astrological timing, begins with the ''Aajus'' or ''Priests'' placing the ''Red God'' on the chariot. Known as ''Bunga Dugh'' in Newari, meaning the God of Rain and Harvest, this is the longest Jatra in Nepal, lasting for months depending on astronomical factors. The Newar community constructs the 32-foot chariot annually using wooden beams without nails, a process that takes about a week. The chariot is then decorated before the deity is seated. In the ancient town of Lalitpur, the chariot is paraded around the city four days after the deity's ascension. It remains on the roadside for four days before being pulled to Ga:Bahal, where it rests for one day, and then to Sundhara and Mangalbazar, where it stays for one day each. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)