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  • Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    DUKAS_184167616_NUR
    Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    Nepali revelers pull the chariot of the Rato Macchindranath, the god of rain and harvest, in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 1, 2025. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan but is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive. As the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for the precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Macchendranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Macchendranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city since 897 AD. It is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

     

  • Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    DUKAS_184167615_NUR
    Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    Nepali revelers pull the chariot of the Rato Macchindranath, the god of rain and harvest, in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 1, 2025. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan but is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive. As the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for the precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Macchendranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Macchendranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city since 897 AD. It is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

     

  • Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    DUKAS_184167614_NUR
    Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    Nepali revelers perform a mass ritualistic dance before the formal roll-out of the Rato Macchindranath chariot in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 1, 2025. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan but is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive. As the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for the precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Macchendranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Macchendranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city since 897 AD. It is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

     

  • Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    DUKAS_184167613_NUR
    Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    Nepali revelers perform a mass ritualistic musical performance before the formal roll-out of the Rato Macchindranath chariot in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 1, 2025. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan but is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive. As the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for the precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Macchendranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Macchendranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city since 897 AD. It is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

     

  • Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    DUKAS_184167612_NUR
    Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    Nepali revelers watch the Rato Macchindranath chariot procession in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 1, 2025. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan but is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive. As the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for the precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Macchendranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Macchendranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city since 897 AD. It is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

     

  • Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    DUKAS_184167611_NUR
    Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    Nepali revelers pull the chariot of the Rato Macchindranath, the god of rain and harvest, in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 1, 2025. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan but is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive. As the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for the precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Macchendranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Macchendranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city since 897 AD. It is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

     

  • Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    DUKAS_184167610_NUR
    Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    Nepali revelers pull the chariot of the Rato Macchindranath, the god of rain and harvest, in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 1, 2025. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan but is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive. As the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for the precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Macchendranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Macchendranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city since 897 AD. It is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

     

  • Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    DUKAS_184167609_NUR
    Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    A Nepali reveler dances to the tune of a traditional musical instrument before the formal roll-out of the Rato Macchindranath chariot in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 1, 2025. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan but is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive. As the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for the precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Macchendranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Macchendranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city since 897 AD. It is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

     

  • Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    DUKAS_184167608_NUR
    Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    A Nepali reveler plays a traditional musical instrument before the formal roll-out of the Rato Macchindranath chariot in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 1, 2025. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan but is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive. As the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for the precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Macchendranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Macchendranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city since 897 AD. It is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

     

  • Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    DUKAS_184167607_NUR
    Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    Nepali revelers pull the chariot of the Rato Macchindranath, the god of rain and harvest, in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 1, 2025. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan but is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive. As the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for the precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Macchendranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Macchendranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city since 897 AD. It is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

     

  • Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    DUKAS_184167590_NUR
    Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    Nihira Bajracharya, the Kumari of Patan or the living goddess, watches the chariot procession of Rato Macchindranath in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 1, 2025. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan but is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive. As the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for the precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Macchendranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Macchendranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city since 897 AD. It is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

     

  • Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    DUKAS_184167588_NUR
    Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    Nihira Bajracharya, the Kumari of Patan or the living goddess, watches the chariot procession of Rato Macchindranath in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 1, 2025. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan but is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive. As the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for the precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Macchendranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Macchendranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city since 897 AD. It is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

     

  • Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    DUKAS_184167527_NUR
    Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    Nepali revelers pull the chariot of the Rato Macchindranath, the god of rain and harvest, in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 1, 2025. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan but is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive. As the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for the precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Macchendranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Macchendranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city since 897 AD. It is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

     

  • Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    DUKAS_184167516_NUR
    Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    Nepali revelers pull the chariot of the Rato Macchindranath, the god of rain and harvest, in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 1, 2025. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan but is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive. As the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for the precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Macchendranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Macchendranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city since 897 AD. It is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

     

  • Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    DUKAS_184167639_NUR
    Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    A general view shows revelers packing the road of Lalitpur as the chariot of Rato Macchindranath, the god of rain and harvest, is pulled in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 1, 2025. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan but is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive. As the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for the precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Macchendranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Macchendranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city since 897 AD. It is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

     

  • Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    DUKAS_184167638_NUR
    Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    Nepali revelers perform a mass ritualistic musical performance before the formal roll-out of the Rato Macchindranath chariot in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 1, 2025. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan but is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive. As the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for the precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Macchendranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Macchendranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city since 897 AD. It is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

     

  • Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    DUKAS_184167637_NUR
    Rato Macchindranath Chariot Procession In Nepal
    Nepali revelers pull the chariot of the Rato Macchindranath, the god of rain and harvest, in Lalitpur, Nepal, on May 1, 2025. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan but is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive. As the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for the precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Macchendranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Macchendranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city since 897 AD. It is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

     

  • Nepal's "Red God" Rato Machindranath Idol Gets Painted With Arrival Of Chariot Procession
    DUKAS_183857964_NUR
    Nepal's "Red God" Rato Machindranath Idol Gets Painted With Arrival Of Chariot Procession
    A Nepali devotee paints the idol of Rato Machindranath at Machindra Bahal in Lalipur, Nepal, on April 23, 2025. Regarded as the red god, the chariot procession of Rato Machindranath always starts by the end of April or early May. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan and is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive under his seat. Because the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought, which drives a famine in the city. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Machindranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Machindranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city in 897 AD, which is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

     

  • Nepal's "Red God" Rato Machindranath Idol Gets Painted With Arrival Of Chariot Procession
    DUKAS_183857963_NUR
    Nepal's "Red God" Rato Machindranath Idol Gets Painted With Arrival Of Chariot Procession
    A Nepali devotee paints the idol of Rato Machindranath at Machindra Bahal in Lalipur, Nepal, on April 23, 2025. Regarded as the red god, the chariot procession of Rato Machindranath always starts by the end of April or early May. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan and is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive under his seat. Because the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought, which drives a famine in the city. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Machindranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Machindranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city in 897 AD, which is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

     

  • Nepal's "Red God" Rato Machindranath Idol Gets Painted With Arrival Of Chariot Procession
    DUKAS_183857962_NUR
    Nepal's "Red God" Rato Machindranath Idol Gets Painted With Arrival Of Chariot Procession
    A Nepali devotee paints the idol of Rato Machindranath at Machindra Bahal in Lalipur, Nepal, on April 23, 2025. Regarded as the red god, the chariot procession of Rato Machindranath always starts by the end of April or early May. According to the lunar calendar, the longest chariot festival of Nepal begins on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bachhala, the seventh month in the lunar Nepal Sambat calendar, but this year it does not fall as per the set-out rule. One popular legend states that once Guru Gorakhnath comes to the city of Patan and is not acknowledged by the people living there. As the commoners do not offer him food and ignore him, Guru Gorakhnath captures all the serpents and holds them captive under his seat. Because the ''Naags'' or serpents responsible for precipitation are held captive by Guru Gorakhnath, Patan experiences a drought, which drives a famine in the city. Advisors of the then king of Patan, Narendra Dev, are asked to bring the teacher of Gorakhnath, Lord Machindranath, from Assam. Hearing about the teacher's presence in the town, Guru Gorakhnath stands up from his seat, letting the serpents loose, which brings rain to the city, ending the drought. Adoring Rato Machindranath for his feat, locals of Patan start a chariot procession in the city in 897 AD, which is held annually and taken around the city, reminding people about his deeds. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)