Rato Machendranath, also known as Bunga dya and the Red God is worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindus regard him as an incarnation of Shiva while the Buddhists take him as an incarnation of Avalokitesvar.
The chariot festival of Rato Machendranath is believed to date back 600 years and is the longest festival celebrated in the city of Patan, lasting around two months. The festival is celebrated just before the onset of monsoon, so the city get plenty of rainfall for better harvest.
The festival ends with Bhoto jatra, when a vest covered with precious stone, given to a farmer by the rain god, is shown to the public. After the festival ends, the chariot is dismantled and the idol of the god is taken to the temple in Bungamati.
Photos: Gopen Rai
