President Bidhya Devi bhandari observes Seto Machchhindranath Chariot

April 21, Kathmandu: The chariot procession of Seto Machhendranath, the god of rain and good times, has begun with adherence to safety protocol.

The towing of the chariot began from Keltol and was brought to Tindhara Pathshala, Durbarmarg on Tuesday.

The chariot management committee informed that everyone attending the chariot procession had to wear a mask.

The health department of Kathmandu Metropolis had managed the free distribution of masks for the participants.

Committee coordinator Nilkaji Shakya informed that discussion was held with the participation of Kathmandu Metropolis Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya, representatives of Guthi Sansthan, priest of Seto Machhendranath, culture experts decided to conduct the chariot procession by maintaining safety measures as use of mask and social distancing.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari has observed the Seto Machchhindranath chariot and also received Prasad on the occasion.

The tradition is that the Head of the State observes the chariot procession and receives Prasad on the night it is taken to Asan.

President Bhandari was welcomed by former minister and lawmaker Bhimsen Das Pradhan and Kathmandu Metropolitan City Deputy Mayor Hari Prabha Khadgi, among other local leaders and priests of the procession.

Seto Machchindranath chariot procession is observed every year around the end of April (Chaitra Shukla Ashtami).

The Seto Machchindranath chariot procession is a popular traditional festival of Kathmandu Valley, especially celebrated by Newari communities with fanfare.