Work begins to build chariot of Seto Machhindranath

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 20: Guthi Sansthan of Kathmandu has begun to construct the chariot of Seto Machhindranath at Tindhara Pathshala of Jamal.   

This year, the Seto Machhindranath festival falls on March 12. 

 Seto Machhindranath Chariot Management Committee has already decided to continue the traditional chariot procession. 

Coordinator of the committee Nilkaji Shakya said that preparations for the chariot procession have already begun.  

The White Machhindranath chariot will be designed in triangular shape following the traditional method.  

Logs of several shape and size are used to build the chariot. 

The Seto (White) Machhindranath is a widely venerated deity of the Kathmandu                     Valley. The chariot-pulling of the deity festival is a three-day cultural event. 

During the festival, the chariot is taken to several parts of the valley. The pulling of the chariot starts from Jamal, moving to Ratnapark, Bhotahiti and Asan. On the second day, it is taken to Balkumari, Keltole, Indrachowk, Makhan and Hanumandhoka, and on the third and last day, it passes through Chinkmugal, Jaishidewal, Janabahal and Lagan. 

Normally, the festival is celebrated for three days, but it takes seven days to take the chariot to different parts of the congested city area. Many people visit the chariot and offer their worship to the idol of the Machhindranath deity kept inside the chariot.

The entire structure of the chariot is modeled on the shape of a temple. The chariot is pulled with big ropes from left and right. According to legend, Machhendranath was the teacher of Gorakhatanath. 

It is said the festival of the White Machhindranath began in 595. It is known as Janmadyo, Aryavalokiteswr, Karunamaya and Jamaleswor.