SATV, Kathmandu, Mar. 28: The festival of Seto Machhindranath, known locally as Jana Baha Dyo, began on Thursday with the pulling of its chariot from Teendhara Pathshala, Jamal, to Ason. The procession continued on Friday, with the chariot pulled from Ason via Keltol, Indrachowk to Hanumandhoka.

President Ram Chandra Paudel, in his capacity as head of state, also came to worship Seto Machhindranath on Thursday evening.

On the third day, the chariot will be pulled from Hanumandhoka to Lagan via Chikanmugal, Jaisedeval, and Jyavahal. On the fourth day, a circumambulation of the sacred tree, considered the mother of Machhindranath, will be performed in Lagan.

On the final day, March 30, the idol will be placed on a khat in Lagan and carried to Janabahal via Jyabahal, Dya La, Yutunani, Kohiti, Bhimsensthan, Maru, Yatkha, Naradevi, Kilagh, and Bhedasingh.

The chariot procession of Seto Machhindranath begins every year on the eighth day of Chaitra Shukla Ashtami. It starts from Jamal in Kathmandu and ends in Janabahal on the full moon day of Chaitra Shukla Astami. Seto Machhindranath is worshipped as the god of rain and prosperity, as well as a deity who removes evil, protects from premature death, and safeguards people from unrest and insecurity.

People participate in the Jatra believing that worshipping Machhindranath invites Goddess Laxmi into their homes, bringing happiness, peace, and prosperity.

According to legend, in ancient times, a farmer discovered a white statue of Machhindranath while digging a field in Jamal, Kathmandu. When the statue was placed in his storeroom, there was no shortage of food, and the household experienced happiness, peace, and prosperity. Diseases and ailments also began to disappear. It was believed that the idol was divine and not appropriate to keep at home. Therefore, it was taken from Jamal and placed in Janabahal. Since then, the chariot procession has begun from Jamal, the place where the idol was found.

The festival of Seto Machhindranath, a deity revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, lasts for five days, from Chaitra Shukla Ashtami to the full moon. The deity is called Seto Machhindranath because the idol is white. Other names include Karunamaya and Arya Avalokiteshvara.