Swiss Ambassador Joins Rato Machindranath Jatra, Embraces Nepal’s Cultural Vibrancy

Dr. Danielle Meuwly Monteleone, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Nepal, graced the annual Rato Machindranath Jatra in Lalitpur with her presence. The revered festival, renowned for its grandeur and significance, commenced yesterday with fervent religious ceremonies and traditional rituals.

Taking to the social media platform X, Ambassador Monteleone expressed her gratitude to Mayor Chiri Babu for the warm invitation and shared her profound experience at the festival. “At the Rato Machhendranath Chariot Festival today, thank you to Mayor Chiri Babu for the warm invitation. It was a remarkable experience to witness Nepal’s vibrant cultural tradition. Nepal’s diverse festivals and shared celebrations are truly remarkable!”

At the Rato Machhendranath Chariot Festival today, thank you to Mayor Chiri Babu for the warm invitation. It was a remarkable experience to witness Nepal’s vibrant cultural tradition. Nepal’s diverse festivals and shared celebrations are truly remarkable! pic.twitter.com/IjCibdrNpD

— Ambassador Dr. Danielle Meuwly (@SwissAmbNepal) May 11, 2024

The Rato Machindranath Jatra, a cherished tradition in Lalitpur, Nepal, marks the beginning of a month-long procession featuring the revered deity Machindranath. Believed to be the god of rain and time, Machindranath’s chariot, towering 32 hands high and adorned with intricate designs, traverses through the streets of Patan, culminating in the exhibition of the famous ‘bhoto’ at Jawalakhel.

The Ambassador’s attendance at the festival underscores the mutual respect and admiration between Switzerland and Nepal, highlighting the significance of cultural exchanges in fostering global understanding and harmony.

History of Rato Machindranath Jatra

In the past, for 12 years, there was no rainfall, and all the river dried off. To find out the solution to this problem, the King of Bhaktapur kingdom at that time went to Swayambhu to meet Tantrik. Then, the Tantrik said that Guru Gorakhnath is angry, so he is meditating on the cushion of 9 mighty serpents whose duty was to cause rainfall in the valley.

Until and unless the serpents will be free, rainfall doesn’t happen in the valley. It is possible only when his teacher Rato Machhindranath visits him. So the king started searching for his teacher. After some time, they find out that Machhindranath was reborn as the 108th son of King Sashi in Assam.

Then the king of Bhaktapur, Tantrik from Kathmandu, and a Newar from Lalitpur went to Assam to bring Machhindranath back. They knew that it wouldn’t be easy to get him because he was the son of Daitya. They tried a lot but they were not successful in bringing him back.

Then the Tantrik called 4 Bhairab and asked them to bring him back. Bhairab brought him back to Guru Gorakhnath, and he stood quietly seeing his teacher. Finally, the serpents were free then the rain started raining on the valley.

Now, the king, Tantrik, and Newar cannot decide how district Machhindranath should be kept, so they went to Lalitpur King to find the solution. Lalitpur King was very clever as he chose to keep RatoMachhindranath on Lalitpur. From that day, every year, people celebrate this festival in Lalitpur and pray for good rainfall.