KATHMANDU: The sacred Bhoto (vest) of Rato Machchendranath—the revered god of rain and seasons—will be displayed today in the Kathmandu Valley as part of the centuries-old Bhoto Jatra ceremony.

This grand spectacle marks the conclusion of the annual Rato Machchendranath Rath Yatra and continues a tradition believed to be nearly 800 years old.

Also known as Jawalakhel Jatra, the festival’s name originates from the words Ja (rice) and Wala (to scatter), according to Kirti Madan Joshi, a former member of the Nepal Panchanga Nirnaya Bikas Samiti.

Originally, the festival is thought to have served as a ritual to appease spirits and demons through offerings.

The legend behind the Bhoto Jatra is intertwined with the tale of the serpent king Karkotak, whose queen suffered from an eye ailment. Mistaking a farmer for a doctor, Karkotak took him to Naglok, believed to be present-day Taudaha.

The terrified farmer prayed to Machchendranath and successfully healed the queen by rubbing his hands over her eyes.

In gratitude, Karkotak gifted the farmer a Bhoto decorated with a ruby. But while working in his field one day, the farmer left the vest aside—only for it to be stolen by a ghost in human form.

Later, the farmer spotted someone wearing the stolen Bhoto during Machchendranath’s procession and accused him of theft.

The ensuing dispute escalated to the point that even Karkotak was called upon for arbitration.

Since neither party could prove ownership, the vest was entrusted to Machchendranath himself.

Thus began the tradition of displaying the Bhoto annually in hopes that a rightful owner may one day come forward with undeniable proof—though no one ever has.

Today, the Bhoto is ceremonially shown from all four sides of Machchendranath’s towering chariot in Jawalakhel.

The event is organized by Guthi Sansthan Lalitpur and attended by high dignitaries, including the President of Nepal.

In recognition of this unique and vibrant celebration, the government has declared a public holiday today in the Kathmandu Valley, allowing thousands to gather and witness the iconic display of the sacred vest.