The chariot of Macchindranath will be allowed to be pulled today – amidst strict limitations on number of people to be gathered, as per reports.
The chariot will be pulled from Pulchowk to Sorhakhutte pati in front of Lalitpur Metropolitan Office, a distance of an estimaed 100 metres, as a symbolic observation the cultural and religious festival.
In a pre-Covid-19 era, Machhindranath (Buṅga Dyaḥ Jātrā )would be pulled with much fervour from Pulchowk through Gabahal, Mangal Bazar, Hakha, Sundhara, Chakrabahil, Lagankhel, and ending in Jawalakhel. After observing various festivities, including ‘Bhoto Jatra’ in Jawalakhel, the Machhindranath would be put to rest in Bungamati.
However, this year, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, the chariot will only be towed for a short distance. An earlier Kshama (forgiveness) Puja had been conducted on Thursday – asking the rain god for forgiveness for cutting the chariot-pulling ceremony short.
Today’s chariot pulling will mark the end of the Chariot procession, and residents of Patan will observe the Chabayalau festival. According to Pucha coordinator Chandra Maharjan, “if possible, Machhindranath will be taken to Bungamati this Friday”.
Wednesday Protests:
On Wednesday, clashes betweel locals of Patan and Police had made national and international headlines. Agitated Patan residents, who were of the view that the chariot must be pulled on the day (even if so for at least a few metres) broke prohibitory orders to pull the chariot. After witnessing wide public gathering, police were forced to intervene, and used water canons to disperse the crowd.
A stand-off between residents and police ensued for the remainder of the day, and Patan District Administration Office was forced to impose a curfew on Thursday.
