The chariot of Rato Maccendranath has rolled into Jawalakhel. The annual display of the bhoto - diamond studed vest of Macchendranath - at the culmination of the Red Macchendranath chariot ride, which has been going on for some time, takes place today. One never knows when this event will happen. It depends on the progress of the Red God's chariot. He'll be comin' round the mountain when he comes... This morning, Rajendra, our gardener happened to call up his daughter's school to find out if it was a holiday, which it would be, if it were Bhoto Day, which it is.
This is the
story of the black velvet, jeweled vest (Bhoto). Legend says it
was given to a farmer by Karkotaka Naga in reward for curing eye
ailment of his Naga Queen. But it got stolen. After
sometime when the farmer was attending the Machhendranath festival at
Jawalakhel, he saw someone wearing the vest. A quarrel ensued
between the farmer and the man wearing the vest. Karkotaka Naga
was also at the festival in human form. He settled the quarrel
and submitted the Bhoto to Machhendranath for safe keeping. From
that day on, every year the Bhoto is shown to the people assuring them
that it is safe.
About that, there is also a rumour that
the Bhoto was sold to foreigners long ago by the Rana rulers of the
country. The original is supposed to be in the British
Museum. The one being displayed every year during the festival is
'duplicate'...
The new Kumari of Patan attends.
(photos by Rajesh KC)
The new Kumari of Patan attends.
The monsoon is here!
Love and pranams,
Billy
Love and pranams,
Billy
(photos by Rajesh KC)