KATHMANDU: The centuries-old Rato Machhindranath Jatra—Nepal’s longest-running chariot festival dedicated to the god of rain and prosperity—will begin this year on April 21.

Preparations are already in full swing in Pulchowk, Lalitpur, where the construction of the towering chariot of Rato Machhindranath is progressing rapidly, marking the festival’s main highlight.

According to Newari tradition, the chariot-building process begins on an auspicious date known as “Paru” and must be completed within 15 days.

The construction formally starts after the deity’s ritual bath, known as Mahasnan, led by the Barahi group.

Traditionally, the Barahi and Nyawal communities play key roles in the process. While the Barahi community is responsible for crafting the primary wooden structure, the Nyawal community handles the upper tiers, bamboo work, ropes, and the preparation of 16 long wooden beams known as “Lasi.”

Construction begins with digging a pit at the site a day after Mahasnan, followed by the assembly of the base structure. Once the foundational level—locally called “Yakh Kha”—is completed, additional tiers are added. Around 35 artisans are currently engaged in building the chariot.

A unique ritual is observed on the day of the chariot procession, when a sacred element called “Bayamv” is placed atop the structure.

During the concluding Bhoto Jatra, members of the Nyawal community remove a symbolic idol representing the Swayambhunath Stupa from the Bayamv.

The subsequent fall of the Bayamv is traditionally believed to indications whether the coming season will bring adequate rainfall.

-Saroj Basnet