The Rato Macchendranath Jatra, celebrated in Patan (Lalitpur), is Nepal's longest and most revered chariot festival, commencing this weekend. This year, the festival features a 32-foot chariot constructed without nails, symbolizing the 'Red God' who is revered for bringing rain and agricultural prosperity. The chariot procession, which started on April 18, involves multiple stops around the ancient city before the deity returns to Bungamati, where he will stay for six months. The festival's origins date back to 897 AD, commemorating the legend of Lord Rato Macchendranath, who is believed to have ended a drought in Patan. The festival is not just a religious observance but also a cultural celebration that intertwines faith and history, making it a significant event in the Nepali calendar.