By A Staff Reporter
Lalitpur, Sept. 7: The chariot of Rato Machhindranath was successfully pulled from Pulchowk to Dhama Phalcha, called Sorakhutte Pati in Nepali, in front of the office of the Lalitpur Metropolitan City, on Sunday.
However, the pulling was largely symbolic with the chariot only moving forward by 20 metres. Traditionally, it would have been taken around the city in a procession starting from Pulchowk, through Gabahal, Sundhara and Lagankhel and ending in Jawalakhel. This year though, the procession was cancelled in view of the COVID-19 pandemic raging in the country and around the world, according to Jyapu Samaj, one of the main bodies managing the chariot festival. The famous Bhoto Jatra, which used to be attended by the President, has also been cancelled.
After Thursday, when crowds gathered and tried to pull the chariot by force, the District Administration Office beefed up security on Sunday. The police sealed all the major entry points into Lalitpur district and only authorised individuals were allowed to go near the chariots of Machhindranath and Minnath.
The occasion was also significantly toned down from previous years. According to information provided by the Jatra management team, only 434 people were involved in the ceremony, with 160 pulling the chariot, 28 playing traditional musical instruments and 122 officials including representatives from various

community organisations associated with the festival of Lord Machhindranath, the mayor and deputy mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, members of parliament, Chief District Officer, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force, head of the Guthi Sansthan and other government and community officials. Remaining 124 people were volunteers from various toles of Patan, namely, Gabahal, Bachhutwa (Sundhara), Lagankhel, Jawalakhel and also from various groups and associations. No spectators were allowed.
The chariot of Minnath was also pulled around 500 metres from Gabahal to Pulchowk.Jyapu Samaj informed that all necessary safety precautions were taken with masks, face shields and sanitizers being provided to everyone present.
With the symbolic towing complete, the entire city of Patan will celebrate Bhujya (feast of Machhindranath Jatra) on Monday. However, authorities have asked the locals to celebrate within their own families only and not invite any guests over.
The statue of the lord will be taken to Bungamati on an auspicious date within this week.
Machhindranath is worshipped by people of Kathmandu Valley as the god of rain and good harvest.