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Whenever we think about the Newars, we think about their versatile culture and delicious cuisines. There are many festivals they celebrate according to different occasions. Furthermore, they celebrate diverse cultures in their community and share more exciting and interesting stories about festivals. Similarly, there is a story that also exists for Rato Machindranath as well. The god who brought rain to the drought and dying Nepal.
Rato Machindranath Jatra or the Bunga Dyah Jatra is one of the greatest Jatra in the city of Patan. It is the longest chariot festival celebrated in the country. The festival is dedicated to the deity Rato Machindranath, who is believed to bring rain and prosperity to the region. The chariot procession attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year, making it a significant cultural event in Nepal.
Relatively known as Rato Machhindranath and Avalokitesvara Karunamaya, Buṅga Dyaḥ is worshiped as the rain giver. Rato Machhendranath, which means "Red Machhendranath," refers to the color of the deity's imagery.
History
According to mythology, the Rato Machindranath Jatra is a celebration for saving Kathmandu Valley from a severe drought. Furthermore, it is believed that Guru Gorakhnath visited Patan during the medieval period and became enraged when no one acknowledged him, which made him outraged in anger. As a result, he seized the serpents responsible for the rain. He brought them to Kathmandu, where he stored them before he began to meditate. Due to this Patan had a huge drought in the city. King Narendra Dev's advisors advised him to invite Machindranath from Assam, India, to Patan because it is believed that he was Guru Gorakhnath's instructor.
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When Lord Gokarna knew that his teacher had come to Patan, he immediately released all the serpents and then a huge rain followed the return of the serpents. The tradition of pulling the Rato Machindranath chariot was thus started in 879 AD by king Narendra Dev to honor Rato Machindranath.
The Jatra is celebrated with a month-long chariot procession all over the Patan.To mark the start of the festival, a chariot around 60 feet tall is built in Pulchowk and decorated with various garlands and other decorations. When the chariot is complete, the idol of Rato Machindranath is transferred from his temple. Another smaller chariot also accompanies Rato Machindranath which is known as ‘Mimnath’.
Locals and devotees then drag the chariots through the streets of Lalitpur through Natole, Gabahal, Mangal Bazaar, Sundhara, Lagankhel, Kumaripati then finally to rest at Jawalakhel. Bhoto Jatra is celebrated a few days after the chariot reaches Jawalakhel. The living goddess Kumari of Patan also arrives at Jawalakhel to observe Bhoto Jatra and she watches the ceremony from a special rest house. After the festival is over, the chariot is dismantled and Rato Machindranath is taken to a temple in Bungamati.
Monsoon and Agriculture
The timing of the Rato Machindranath festival is no coincidence. It aligns with the arrival of the monsoon, a critical period for Nepalese agriculture. The monsoon rains are essential for the cultivation of rice, the staple crop of Nepal. The success of the rice harvest directly impacts the food security and economy of the region. Thus, the festival is not just a religious event but also an agricultural rite, invoking the deity's blessings for timely and adequate rainfall.
The rituals performed during the festival are believed to appease Rato Machindranath and ensure his favor by offering rice, flowers, and other sacred items. Moreover, prayers are chanted which are directed towards invoking rain and ensuring a good harvest. The festival's culmination often coincides with the onset of the monsoon, a moment of collective relief and celebration for the community.
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Beyond its agricultural importance, the Rato Machindranath festival holds immense cultural significance. It is a time of unity and cooperation, bringing together people from different backgrounds and communities. Moreover, the festival showcases the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Nepal. The chariot itself is a marvel of traditional craftsmanship.
The Rato Machindranath festival is a celebration to cherish the relationship between culture, religion, and nature in Nepal. The Jatra is a powerful symbol of the long-standing relationship between humankind's well-being and the life-giving monsoon rains. The festival is celebrated with vibrant processions, traditional music, and dance performances that honor the gods for their blessings. It serves as a reminder of the interconnections between nature and human existence in Nepalese culture.
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