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The Machindranath Jatra, also known as the Rato Machindranath Jatra, is one of the oldest and most significant festival celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley, especially in Patan and Kathmandu. This grand event is dedicated to Rato Machindranath, the god of rain and harvest, who is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.
The origins of the Machindranath Jatra date back over a thousand years and are rooted in legends of drought and the quest for rain. The festival is traditionally held in the months of April or May, marking the beginning of the monsoon season and expressing gratitude for the promise of rain and agricultural prosperity. Rato Machindranath is also called as “Bunga Dya” and Karunamaya.
The festival not only serves as a religious observance but also as a celebration of Newar culture, heritage, and communal harmony in the Kathmandu Valley. The festival is renowned for its spectacular chariot procession, where a towering, ornate wooden chariot carrying the idol of Rato Machindranath is pulled through the streets of Patan (Lalitpur) by thousands of devotees. The event symbolizes the unity and cooperation of the local community, as people from all walks of life come together to participate in the procession.
It is not only a grand religious procession but also a time for communities to come together and celebrate with an array of traditional foods. During this festival, traditional Newari foods play a significant role in the festivities, symbolizing hospitality, community bonding, and cultural heritage. These dishes reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Newar community and the festive spirit of the occasion.
Kwati (Mixed Bean Soup)
Kwati is a hearty and nutritious soup made from a blend of nine different sprouted beans, including black gram, chickpeas, mung beans, and others. Traditionally prepared during festivals like Machindranath Jatra, kwati is believed to provide strength and vitality to the devotees participating in the long and physically demanding celebrations. Its earthy flavours and warming qualities make it a staple during the festival season.
Yomari
Yomari is a unique Newari delicacy made from rice flour dough shaped like a fish or a dumpling, filled with a sweet mixture of molasses (chaku) and sesame seeds. It is steamed to perfection and served warm. Yomari symbolizes prosperity and good fortune, making it an essential festive treat during Machindranath Jatra and other cultural celebrations.
Samay Baji
Samay Baji is a traditional Newari platter consisting of an assortment of foods such as beaten rice (chiura), spicy potato salad (alu tama), boiled eggs, fried meat (often buffalo), fermented vegetables, pickles, and sometimes small portions of lentils or beans. This platter is often served during festivals and special occasions, representing a balanced meal with a variety of flavours and textures. It is shared among families and communities, emphasizing togetherness during the festival.
Chatamari
Often called the “Newari pizza,” Chatamari is a thin rice flour crepe topped with minced meat, eggs, spices, and sometimes vegetables. It is cooked on a flat griddle and served hot. Chatamari is a popular street food during festivals, enjoyed by both locals and visitors for its savory taste and crispy texture.
Cultural Significance
The foods served during Machindranath Jatra are more than just nourishment; they are a vital part of the festival’s cultural expression. Sharing these traditional dishes strengthens community bonds and honors ancestral customs. The preparation and consumption of these foods are acts of devotion, hospitality, and celebration, integral to the spirit of Machindranath Jatra.
P.C: Wikimedia Commons, Flickr
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