News Summary
Prepared following editorial review.
- The White Machhendranath chariot journey has commenced in Kathmandu, starting from Tundikhel’s Three Streams School from Chaitra Shukla Ashtami to Dashami.
- On the first day, the chariot was taken from Three Streams to Asan, where worship rituals will be performed.
- The chariot festival will continue tomorrow with a procession to Kal Bhairav near Basantapur and conclude at Machhendranath Bahal.
March 26, Kathmandu – On Thursday evening, the White Machhendranath chariot festival began from Three Streams School in Kathmandu. This annual festival runs from Chaitra Shukla Ashtami to Dashami in the capital city.
On the first day, the chariot was pulled from Three Streams to Asan where traditional worship and veneration ceremonies are held. The festival will continue inside the old city for three days – today, tomorrow, and the day after.
From Asan, on the second day – tomorrow – the chariot will be taken to the Kal Bhairav temple near Basantapur. Following that, it will proceed through Basantapur, Jaisideval, and Lagankhel before ending the procession back at Machhendranath Bahal.
Prior to the procession, a 32-hand-long (approx. 58 feet) chariot symbolizing the serpent king, Nagaaraj, was constructed in front of Three Streams School. Devotees believe that this festival brings rain and prosperity in the year that follows.
After the White Machhendranath chariot festival concludes in the capital, the Red Machhendranath chariot festival traditionally follows.
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