ILEA001697038: Krishna Janmashtami Festival In Nepal

Rato Machhindranath Chariot Procession Begins In Nepal

Hindu and Buddhist devotees in Lalitpur, Nepal, are preparing to pull the chariot of Lord Rato Machhindranath on May 11, 2024. Known as Nepal's ''Red God,'' Rato Machhindranath is the lord of rain and harvest. He is being honored with a 32-foot-tall chariot that will be paraded around the city for weeks. The chariot procession, also known as ''Bunga Dugh'' in Newari, which translates to the God of Rain and Harvest, is the longest festival in Nepal. Its duration varies, depending largely on astronomical considerations. The Newar community constructs the towering chariot annually, using wooden beams and precise adjustments to the shrine without the use of 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 Procession Begins In Nepal

Nepali Hindu and Buddhist devotees are gathering around the chariot of Lord Rato Machhindranath, paying their respects before the formal start of the chariot procession in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 11, 2024. Known as Nepal's ''Red God,'' Rato Machhindranath, the lord of rain and harvest, is being honored with a 32-foot-tall towering chariot that is set to 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 extends for months and is largely dependent on astronomical calculations. The Newar community is constructing the 32-foot towering chariot of Rato Machhindranath annually, using wooden beams and precise adjustments to the shrine sanctum without using a single nail. It takes the community about a week to build it, and it is given a final touch-up with decorations before Lord Machhindranath is enshrined in the chariot. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Rato Machhindranath Chariot Procession Begins In Nepal

Nepali Hindu and Buddhist devotees are watching the chariot procession of Lord Rato Machhindranath from rooftops in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 11, 2024. Known as Nepal's ''Red God,'' Rato Machhindranath, the lord of rain and harvest, is being celebrated with a 32-foot-tall towering chariot that 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. Its duration extends for months and is largely dependent on astronomical calculations. The 32-foot towering chariot of Rato Machhindranath is constructed annually by the Newar community using wooden beams and intricate adjustments to the shrine sanctum, all without using a single nail. It takes the community about a week to build it, and it is given a final touch-up with decorations before Lord Machhindranath is enshrined in the chariot. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)