Editorial photo #13644251 Religion and Belief

Women Pull Chariot During Rato Machhindranath Festival In Lalitpur, Nepal

Nepalese female devotees pull the towering 60-foot-tall chariot of the Rato Machhindranath Festival from Lagankhel to Thatitole during the month-long festival in Lalitpur, Nepal, on April 30, 2026. This specific day, known as Yaka Misa Bhuya, is exclusively dedicated to women, following a tradition where only female participants pull the chariot of the Rato Machhindranath deity. Lord Rato Machhindranath, also known as the God of Rain, is a deity revered in the Newar community of Nepal, associated with agriculture, rainfall, and fertility. The annual Rato Machhindranath Jatra is a grand festival celebrated in Lalitpur, Nepal, where a massive chariot is constructed for Lord Rato Machhindranath's procession. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Photo details

Photo ID: #13644251
Date taken: 30 April 2026
Location: —
Photographer: Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category: Religion and Belief

Related keywords

Medium Group of People Action Shot 60-foot chariot Ancient Tradition God Of Rain Kathmandu valley Lagankhel Lalitpur Machhindranath deity Nepal Newar community Newar culture Rato Machhindranath Festival Rato Machhindranath Jatra Safal Safal P Shrestha Safal Prakash Shrestha Street procession Thatitole UNESCO cultural heritage context Yaka Misa Bhuya agriculture celebration chariot procession cultural festival devotion faith female participants fertility deity heritage festival public gathering rain god rainfall religious festival religious procession ritual sacred tradition spirituality towering chariot traditional festival urban festival women devotees women pulling chariot