This year’s Machhindranath Jatra has begun. It is the longest festival in the Kathmandu Valley, starting today on Baishakh Shukla Pratipada and continuing for about two months until Asar Shukla Chauthi.

Machhindranath, also known as Matsyanath, Guru Karunamaya, and Bung Dhya in the Newa language, is the central deity of this festival. This sacred festival has been celebrated with deep devotion and respect for over 1600 years.

Bungamati, an old village in the valley, is believed to be the birthplace of Matsyanath. He is seen as a perfect being who can control nature’s elements. For thousands of years, the people of the valley have worshipped him as the god of rain. There are many forms of Matsyanarayan found throughout the Bagmati region.

On Akshaya Tritiya, the spiritual energy of the god is transferred into a clay idol of Karunamaya, made from the soil of Mhepi Hill. The idol is then bathed and honored with a ritual donation of a cow (goudaan). After this, the chariot of Avalokeshwar is pulled through different areas of Lalitpur and Kathmandu for two months.

Yogi Machhindranath’s blessings have been with the world for thousands of years.

May there always be enough rain.

May the crops be healthy and strong.

May there be peace and well-being in the world.

May all living beings have a good life.