Rato Machhindranath is God, who is said to have been brought from Assam, for the harvesting of rain. There was a big famine in city due to non availability of rain. Then the ruling Lichhavi King Narendradev, a Priest Bandhudatta Bajracharya and a farmer Chakra Rath Jyapu (Maleen) are said to have gone to Assam to bring Bunga Dyo to the valley. Rato Machhindranath was obliged by his mother not to g
o.So Machhindranath is said to have sneaked passed while his mother was sleeping on the door.After Rato Machhindranath was brought in Valley.The valley witnessed rain. The Rato Machhindranath Rath Jatra is a month long celebration making it the longest festival of Nepal. Rath is taken around Lalitpur.Along Rato Machhindranath, there is presence of Minnath. Minnath is said to have welcomed Rato Machiindranath.The Rath is prepared at Pulchowk.The Rath stops first at Gabahal, then Mangalbazar, Sundhara, Thaina, Lagankhel and finally to Jawalakhel where the festival concludes.The idol is taken back to Bungamati where it stays for 6 months and again brought back to Tabahal where it stays for rest of the year. At Jawakhel Bhoto Jatra is also celebrated. The Bunga Dyo is celebrated with large crown throng to dancing singing and tuning Dhime Bajas. It is the happening atmosphere for tourists also. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunga_Dyah_Jatra_(chariot_festival)
