By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Aug. 28: Central Guthi Sansthan has been discussing with various leaders of cultural groups, communities, priests and astrologers to find the best solution to complete the Rato Machhindranath chariot procession in the current crisis unleashed by COVID-19.
The chariot procession of Rato Machhindranath, the deity of the good harvest and rain, has not begun in the fixed time due to the lockdown enforced to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
After a long wait, placing ceremony of Machhindranath idol on the chariot was held on July 25 after being postponed twice.
The idol of Rato Machhindrnath needs to be taken to Bungamati before the Malmas begins.
Sarioj Adhikari, spokesperson at the Kathmandu Guthi Sansthan, said that a round of discussion with people’s representatives and leaders of cultural groups has completed. They have given some suggestions to complete the chariot procession in a short time and take the idol to Bungamati.
“We cannot take any step before the current prohibitory order expires on September 2 except for receiving suggestions from the leaders of cultural groups and astrologers for the best solution to the problem,” he said.
“We will hold another meeting with cultural groups, communities and astrologers to reach a conclusion,” he said.
The idol of the deity of good harvest and rain has been kept on the chariot at Pulchowk for a month, waiting for the start of the procession.
Adhikari said that the traditional month-long chariot procession and other cultural activities were not possible this year.