The festival of Rato Machindranath concluded with the displaying of a bhoto (a jewel-studded vest) at Jawalakhel, Lalitpur on Sunday.

The bhoto was displayed in the presence of high-ranking dignitaries including President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Chief Justice Bishwombhar Prasad Shrestha, Speaker Devraj Ghimira and National Assembly Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal.

It is an annual cultural and religious ritual of displaying the black jewel-studded vest believed to be of then Nagraj, the serpent king. The celebration is believed to have started some 1,600 years ago in Kathmandu Valley.

Machhindranath is revered as a god of good harvest and prosperity. Paying homage to Lord Machhindranath is believed to bring good luck and fulfil one’s wishes.

Here are some photos captured by photojournalist Angad Dhakal.