collection
Kathmandu Valley Festival CalendarTwelve festivals that own the valley's streets, in calendar order — chariots, lamps, colors, and processions, with confirmed dates for the coming year.
12 stops
Editorial · reetu.fyifestivals · culture
FestivalLalitpur
Rato Machhindranath Jatra
Patan's towering rain-god chariot, pulled through the streets for weeks each spring — Lalitpur's defining festival.
About this place
FestivalLalitpur
Summary
The Rato Machhindranath Jatra is Patan's greatest festival: a towering, unwheeled wooden chariot — rebuilt fresh each cycle, taller than the houses — carrying the rain god Rato Machhindranath is pulled by rope through the streets of Lalitpur for weeks, visiting key squares until the god's bhoto (vest) is displayed at Jawalakhel in the presence of the living goddess Kumari of Patan. The route and timing are set by astrologers each spring.
Skip if
Skip if you need a fixed schedule — the route unfolds over weeks and exact days are announced only shortly ahead.
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