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Nepal: Rato Machhindranath Returns To Bungamati After Bhoto Jatra In Lalitpur
A soldier of the Nepali Army's Guruju Paltan fires a ceremonial gunshot to mark the conclusion of the Rato Machhindranath Jatra in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, Nepal, on June 20, 2026. The gun salute is part of the traditional state ceremonies associated with Bhoto Jatra, the final ritual of the centuries-old festival dedicated to Rato Machhindranath, the rain deity revered by both Hindu and Buddhist communities of the Kathmandu Valley. The ceremonial firing occurs during the public display of the sacred jewel-studded vest (bhoto), symbolizing the official conclusion of the month-long chariot procession. Guruju Paltan, one of the oldest units of the Nepali Army with historical ties to royal and religious ceremonies, has long played a ceremonial role in major state and cultural events. The festival, believed to have originated more than 1,300 years ago, is closely linked to prayers for timely monsoon rains, agricultural prosperity, and communal well-being. Thousands of devotees gather each year in Jawalakhel to witness the Bhoto Jatra ceremony, which concludes the chariot festival before the deity is returned to his ancestral home in Bungamati. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto)
Photo Details
| Photo ID | #13858751 |
|---|---|
| Date Taken | |
| Location | N/A |
| Photographer | Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto |
| Category | Human Interest |
| Copyright | © 2026 NurPhoto - Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto |
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