Скачать или смотреть Karunamaya (Rato Machhindranath) Rath Yatra – Nepal’s Oldest and Most Revered Chariot Festival

The Karunamaya Rath Yatra, also known as the Rato Machhindranath Rath Yatra, is one of the oldest and most significant cultural and religious festivals celebrated annually in Nepal. This grand event is dedicated to Karunamaya, the god of rain and compassion, worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists alike. The festival primarily seeks blessings for timely and sufficient rainfall, essential for agriculture and prosperity.

📍 Main Location of the Festival:
• Lalitpur (Patan) is the focal point of the festival.
• The chariot procession passes through major locations including Pulchowk, Gabahal, Mangal Bazaar, and Sundhara, eventually concluding at Jawalakhel.

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🛕 About Karunamaya:
• In Hinduism, Karunamaya is associated with Loknath, while in Vajrayana Buddhism, he is revered as Padmapani Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion.
• The name “Karunamaya” itself translates to “one full of compassion,” symbolising mercy and care for suffering beings.

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🎉 Highlights of the Chariot Procession:
• A grand wooden chariot is constructed to carry the idol of Karunamaya.
• The chariot is pulled through the streets of Patan by thousands of devotees.
• The procession lasts for nearly a month, featuring music, rituals, and large crowds.
• The festival culminates in the “Bhoto Jatra”, or vest ceremony, a unique and symbolic tradition.

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👕 The Bhoto Jatra (Vest Display Ceremony):

Held at Jawalakhel, the final event features the ceremonial display of a sacred vest (bhoto) from the chariot before a large public gathering. The origins of this tradition are linked to a famous legend involving a farmer and a serpent king (Nagraj), adding mystery and fascination to the occasion.

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🙏 Cultural and Religious Significance:
• The festival represents religious harmony between Hindu and Buddhist communities in Nepal.
• It is a vibrant expression of Newar identity and cultural richness.
• The Karunamaya Rath Yatra serves not only as a spiritual event but also as a platform for social unity, communal celebration, and traditional music and dance.

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