By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 11: The procession of the Red Machhindranath chariot, regarded as the biggest cultural and religious event of Patan, Lalitpur, will begin on Saturday. 

The scarlet-coloured deity, widely known as the Rato (red) Machhindranath which is taken around the city of Lalitpur during their famous Rato Machhindranath Jatra, was mounted on the wooden carriage at around 7.30 pm Thursday. 

Lord Machhindranath, also called Bunga Dyo and Karunamaya, was brought from its temple at Machhindra Bahal, Tangal, on a palanquin and placed on the chariot.

After the Ratharohan, the Jatra begins in earnest and the four-wheeled chariot is pulled from its place of construction at Pulchowk to Gabahal. This year, its pulling will begin on Saturday. 

From Gabahal, the chariot is towed to Mangal Bazaar and then to Sundhara. From Sundhara, it is taken to Chakrabahil and Lagankhel. 

At Lagankhel, the chariot circumambulates the special Maju Sima tree at the centre of the bus park. The tree is regarded as a symbol of Lord Machhindranath’s mother. 

After a halt for a few days at Lagankhel, the chariot is pulled by women to Thati. The chariot rests at Thati for weeks or months until an auspicious date is determined to take it to Jawalakhel. 

The Jatra concludes when the Bhoto, a traditional vest, is displayed to the Head of the State and normal citizens.

Overall, the Jatra lasts for three to four months and is considered the longest chariot festival in the country. 

Rato Machhindranath is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Meanwhile, Tirtha Lal Maharjan, president of Jyapu Samaj, one of the main bodies in charge of managing the festival, informed that all the preparations for the chariot festival were completed.