ILEA000680243: Sacred rope exchange event at western Japan waterfall

Rato Machhindranath Chariot Ascension In Nepal

A Nepali devotee is offering incense sticks to Lord Rato Machhindranath at Machhindrabahal in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 9, 2024. Known as Nepal's ''Red God,'' Rato Machhindranath, the lord of rain and harvest, is being honored with a 32-foot-tall chariot that will tour around the city for weeks. The chariot procession of Rato Machhindranath, also known as ''Bunga Dugh'' in Newari, which means the God of Rain and Harvest, is the longest festival in Nepal. Its duration varies widely, depending on astronomical calculations. The 32-foot-tall chariot is constructed annually by the Newar community, who use wooden beams and make precise adjustments to the shrine sanctum without using a single nail. It takes the community about a week to build the chariot, which is then given a final touch-up with decorations before Lord Machhindranath is enshrined in it. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Rato Machhindranath Chariot Ascension In Nepal

Nepali devotees are watching the procession before taking Lord Rato Machhindranath from Machhindrabahal in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 9, 2024. Known as Nepal's ''Red God,'' Rato Machhindranath, the lord of rain and harvest, is being placed on a 32-foot-tall towering chariot, which is set to tour around the city for weeks. The chariot procession of Rato Machhindranath, also known as ''Bunga Dugh'' in Newari, meaning the God of Rain and Harvest, is the longest festival in Nepal. It runs for months, depending largely on astronomical calculations. The 32-foot towering chariot of Rato Machhindranath is constructed annually by the Newar community using wooden beams and precise adjustments to the shrine sanctum, all without using a single nail. It takes the community about a week to build, and it is being given a final touch-up with decorations before the deity is placed in the chariot. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Rato Machhindranath Chariot Ascension In Nepal

The idol of Lord Rato Machhindranath, also known as the ''Red God,'' is being lifted onto a sky-scraping chariot in Nepal on May 9, 2024. The ''Red God,'' revered as the lord of rain and harvest, is being placed on a 32-foot-tall chariot that is set to journey around the city for weeks. The chariot procession of Rato Machhindranath, also known as ''Bunga Dyo'' in Newari, meaning the God of Rain and Harvest, is the longest festival in Nepal, lasting for months and largely depending on astronomical calculations. The 32-foot-tall chariot of Rato Machhindranath is constructed annually by the Newar community using wooden beams and intricate adjustments to the shrine's sanctum, all without using a single nail. It takes the community about a week to build the chariot, which is then given a final touch-up with decorations before the idol of the lord is placed in the chariot. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)