Bhoto Jatra Festival: Nepal’s Jewel-Studded vest mystery reaches its end

Aug 05, 2024

Lalitpur (Nepal), Aug 05 (ANI): The "Bhoto Jatra," a traditional event in Nepal, concluded on Sunday once again without any claims for the jewel-studded vest or "Bhoto," which remains with Rato Machhindranath, the Red God of Nepal. In Nepal, the "Bhoto Jatra" concluded on August 04, marking another year without any claims for the jewel-studded vest or "Bhoto," which has stayed in the possession of Rato Machhindranath. The 'Bhoto' or jewel-studded vest is shown to the public on the last day of Rato Machhindranath Jatra, which symbolises the end of the longest Jatra and the start of the festivities. It is a tradition that has been followed for a long time and the Bhoto has remained unclaimed since then. This year, it also displayed the jewel stud vest to the public, sealed and secured as the Himalayan nation continues to search for its true owner. Yagya Ratna Sakya, one of the priests of Lord Macchindranath, said that the "Bhoto" displays the apparel of Naagin, the queen of snakes, adding that it was studded with jewels, which was then given as an award to the farmer who was able to cure the eye problem of the Naagin by the Naagraj, 'King of snakes.' The Bhoto displayed annually at Jawalakhel in Lalitpur has pearls and jewels attached to it. The jewel-studded vest is packed and kept inside the cloth pouch for a year and opened only in the presence of the State head on a particular day fixed by the priests when the Rato Machhindranath Jatra commences. The showing of the vest on that particular day shows it to be safe with the state and who is the owner of the vest to come and claim it. This long-run practice has become an integral part of the month-long festival. Yagya Ratna Shakya highlighted that whoever attends the 'Bhoto Jatra' or witnesses the procession once a year would not face any hardships and troubles in life.