Bhoto Jatra is the sacred finale festival of Nepal’s 1,600-year-old Rato Machhindranath Jatra, celebrated annually in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur. During this ancient ceremony, the jewel-studded sacred vest (Bhoto) of Rato Machhindranath – the Hindu god of rain and compassion-is displayed to the public from the deity’s chariot.
Quick Answer: Bhoto Jatra is celebrated on Ashad Shukla Chaturthi (typically June-August) in Lalitpur, Nepal, marking the end of the month-long Rato Machhindranath chariot festival.
Read in Detail: Bhoto Jatra – Nepal’s Festival of the Sacred Vest
Bhoto Jatra 2026 Celebrated with President Paudel Present
The 2026 Bhoto Jatra festival was celebrated on Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, with President Ramchandra Paudel attending the cultural event at 4:00 pm.
Key Highlights of Bhoto Jatra 2026
| Aspect | Details |
| Date | June 20, 2026 (Saturday) |
| Location | Jawalakhel, Lalitpur Metropolitan City |
| Festival Duration | Concludes 2-month-long Rato Machhindranath Jatra |
| Sacred Vest | Black jewel-studded vest of serpent king (Nagraj) |
| Deity | Rato Machhindranath (Bunga Dyah), rain god |
| Public Holiday | Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur declared holiday |
| Attendees | President Paudel, Living Goddess Kumari |
What is Bhoto Jatra?
Q1: When is Bhoto Jatra celebrated in Nepal?
Answer: Bhoto Jatra is celebrated on Ashad Shukla Chaturthi according to the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, typically falling in June or August. In 2026, it was celebrated on June 20.
Q2: Where is Bhoto Jatra held?
Answer: Bhoto Jatra is held at Jawalakhel, Lalitpur (Lalitpur Metropolitan City-4) in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.
Q3: What is the significance of Bhoto Jatra?
Answer: Bhoto Jatra marks the finale of Rato Machhindranath Jatra, Nepal’s longest chariot festival. The sacred vest display begins the rainy season and honors Rato Machhindranath, the god of rain and good harvest.
Q4: Who attended Bhoto Jatra 2026?
Answer: President Ramchandra Paudel and the Living Goddess Kumari attended the 2026 Bhoto Jatra ceremony at Jawalakhel, Lalitpur.
Q5: How long does Rato Machhindranath Jatra last?
Answer: Rato Machhindranath Jatra lasts approximately 2 months (nearly 60 days), starting from Baishakh Shukla Pratipada and ending with Bhoto Jatra on Ashad Shukla Chaturthi.
Q6: Is there a public holiday for Bhoto Jatra?
Answer: Yes. The government declares a public holiday in Kathmandu Valley (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur) for Bhoto Jatra.
Q7: What is the sacred Bhoto vest?
Answer: The Bhoto is a black, jewel-studded ornamental vest believed to belong to a serpent king (Nagraj). According to legend, it’s a “lost & found” item displayed to find its “rightful owner”.
Q8: What happens after Bhoto Jatra?
Answer: After Bhoto Jatra, the idol of Rato Machhindranath is taken back to Bungamati (his birthplace) for six months.
Festival Significance: Why Bhoto Jatra Matters
Historical Background
The 1,600-year-old Rato Machhindranath Jatra is dedicated to the Lord of Rain in the Kathmandu Valley and marks the start of the rainy season in Nepal.
The festival traces back to a 12-year drought in the Kathmandu Valley. According to legend:
- Guru Gorakhnath was meditating on serpents ( Nagas) trapped during meditation, preventing rain
- Machhindranath (Gorakhnath’s teacher) traveled from Assam to Nepal to free the Nagas
- When Machhindranath arrived, rain returned to the valley
- King Narendra Deva started the chariot procession to honor him-a tradition over 1,000 years old
Cultural Importance
| Aspect | Importance |
| Religious | Honored by both Hindus and Buddhists as Avalokiteshvara/Padmapani incarnation |
| Agricultural | Marks rainy season start, crucial for Nepalese farming |
| Cultural | longest chariot festival in Nepal, attracts international travelers |
| Historical | 1,600-year-old tradition, one of Kathmandu Valley’s richest cultural events |
Rato Machhindranath Jatra: The Complete Festival Timeline
Chariot Construction & Route
- Chariot Height: 60-foot tall wooden chariot built in Pulchowk using no nails
- Wheels: 4 big wheels with long pulling ropes
- Route: Pulchowk → Gabahal → Mangal Bazar → Hakha → Sundhara → Chakrabahil → Lagankhel → Jawalakhel
- Special Tradition: Between Iti and Thati, only women pull the chariot (Yākah Misāyā Bhujyā)
2026 Festival Schedule
| Date | Event |
| April 18, 2026 | Chariot procession began |
| May 22, 2026 | Chariot pulled from Lagankhel to Jawalakhel (3:49 pm) |
| June 20, 2026 | Bhoto Jatra-sacred vest display |
| After June 20 | Idol returned to Bungamati for 6 months |
Special Events During Bhoto Jatra
Vest Display Ceremony
The traditional ornamental vest is displayed from the chariot of Rato Machhindranath to the public at Jawalakhel. The ceremony follows ancient tradition where the vest is shown to find its “rightful owner”.
Living Goddess Kumari Appearance
The Living Goddess Kumari appears during Bhoto Jatra, adding spiritual significance to the ceremony.
Bhoto Jatra is Nepal’s sacred vest display festival concluding the 2-month Rato Machhindranath Jatra in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur. Celebrated on Ashad Shukla Chaturthi (June-August), the jewel-studded black vest of rain god Rato Machhindranath is displayed before thousands, with President Ramchandra Paudel attending the 2026 ceremony. The 1,600-year-old festival marks rainy season start and attracts international travelers.
Location & Contact Information
Festival Location
- Address: Jawalakhel, Lalitpur Metropolitan City-4
- Region: Kathmandu Valley, Bagmati Province, Nepal
- Nearby: Lalitpur Durbar Square, Tabahal Temple (Rato Machhindranath main temple)
Public Transport
- From Kathmandu: 30 minutes via taxi/bus
- From Patan: 10 minutes walking distance
- Parking: Available at Jawalakhel Park
Conclusion: Why Visit Bhoto Jatra?
This iconic cultural event attracts travelers from around the world and represents one of the most culturally rich traditions of the Kathmandu Valley. The festival combines:
- Religious significance (rain god worship)
- Cultural heritage (1,600-year-old tradition)
- Community participation (thousands attend)
- International appeal (global travelers)
- Official recognition (public holiday declared)