Bhoto Jatra 

There is a very interesting legend regarding to this “Bhoto Jatra”. Once the Nag Raj went in search of a physician. Lastly he met to a Baidhya (herbal Physician); and he took to the Baidhya in side his water kingdom (pond) at Karkotaka Daha (Pond). This Karkotaka Daha is situated towards the southern side of Kathmandu. The physician healed the Nagin (queen serpent) and the King Nag became very happy. Then he rewarded him an invaluable Bhoto (vest) decorated with so many precious diamonds. Then the Physician returened back very happily at his home.

One day the Baidhya went to transplant paddy in his field. He unfastened his Bhoto while he was working; and kept in near by there somewhere. In the mean time a Giant arrived there and stole his invaluable Bhoto; then the physician became very much sad and enraged. One day when there was a broke out a terrible fighting in between of them. No one could win the fight. Finally the case was field at the King’s court for the final settlement. The king was not satisfied from both side’s evidence; and lastly he decided to offer it to lord Machhindranath by amassing a huge gathering and demonstrating there to all. This is the same Bhoto, which is demonstrated till to this day in Lagankhel Kathmandu; which is called the “Bhoto Jatra” by all. It’s believed that Lichhibi king Gunakam Dev had started the practice of this fete.

A quarrel developed over the vest, and since neither party could prove ownership, it was agreed that the undershirt would be kept with Bunga Dyah until the rightful owner comes to claim it with adequate proof. Since then, the vest has been shown to the public annually as a call to potential claimants to step forward.The living goddess Kumari of Patan also arrives in Jawalakhel to observe Bhoto Jatra. She watches the ceremony from a special rest house. The auspicious day when the Bhoto Jatra is held is determined by astrologers, so the date is changeable. In 2014, the vest showing will be held on 22 June.After the festival, the chariot is dismantled and the parts are stored until it is time for the procession the next year. Rato Machhendranath is taken to a temple in the nearby village of Bungamati, also known as the second home of the rain god.