Coconut Dropped from Rato Machhindranath Chariot Amidst Festive Celebrations

Kathmandu – In accordance with age-old religious customs, a coconut was ceremonially dropped from the pinnacle of the Rato Machhindranath chariot on Friday, marking a significant event in the ongoing Jatra festival.

The act, steeped in tradition, took place amidst a gathering of devotees and onlookers eager to witness the ritual. A strong local belief associates the catching of the falling coconut with the blessing of a son. This popular conviction draws many hopeful individuals to the chariot during this particular event.

To honor the auspicious occasion, the Lalitpur Metropolitan City declared a public holiday for its offices today, allowing employees to partake in the festivities and observe the religious practices.

The Rato Machhindranath Jatra is a vibrant chariot procession celebrated annually in the Kathmandu Valley. The festival holds immense cultural and religious significance for the Newar community, and the coconut dropping ceremony is one of its highly anticipated rituals.