The government has announced a public holiday in the Kathmandu Valley on Sunday to mark the Bhoto Jatra, the final day of the month-long Rato Machhindranath chariot festival.

In a statement issued on Friday, the ministry said the holiday will apply to all three districts of the Valley—Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur.

The Bhoto Jatra is held annually at Jawalakhel in Lalitpur, where a black jewel-studded vest—believed to have belonged to a serpent king (Nagraj)—is displayed from the chariot of Rato Machhindranath. The ritual is conducted in the presence of the head of state and other dignitaries, with Guthi Sansthan officials displaying the bhoto while standing on the deity’s chariot.

Rato Machhindranath, revered as the god of rain, good harvest, and prosperity, is one of the Valley’s most significant deities. The chariot festival, which begins in Pulchowk, travels through various parts of Patan including Gabahal, Mangal Bazaar, Tangal, Iti Tole, Kumaripati, and Manbhawan, before reaching Jawalakhel for the bhoto display.

The festival is believed to bring good fortune and ensure rainfall and agricultural abundance, drawing thousands of devotees every year.