The Unclaimed Bhoto
Kathmandu : In a centuries-old tradition that captivates both locals and visitors, the annual Bhoto Jatra festival unfolded in Jawalakhel, Kathmandu on Sunday. The event, centered around the display of a mysterious jewel-studded jacket, once again concluded without anyone stepping forward to claim ownership.
The festival, which marks the culmination of the Machhindranath chariot festival, drew thousands of spectators, including high-profile attendees such as the President Ram chandra Paudel, Prime Minister Kp Oli, Foreign Minister Arju Rana Deuba, and Kathmandu's Mayor Balen Shah.
As per the age-old custom, a representative from Guthi Sansthan Lalitpur held up the ornate jacket for all to see, inviting anyone with proof of ownership to come forward. The crowd watched in anticipation, but as in previous years, no claimant emerged.
The Bhoto Jatra festival is steeped in legend, reportedly originating from a dispute between a farmer and a ghost over the ownership of the jacket. According to local lore, the jacket was originally a gift to a farmer from the Naga king for curing his wife's eye ailment. The story goes that the jacket was subsequently stolen by a ghost, leading to the annual public display in search of its rightful owner.
While the exact origins of this tradition remain unclear, it is believed to have started about 13 years after the inception of the Machhindranath festival itself. The event not only serves as a cultural spectacle but also as a unique blend of history, mythology, and community participation.
As the festival concluded, the unclaimed jacket was once again entrusted to the custody of Machhindranath until next year's event, continuing a cycle that has persisted for generations.
The Bhoto Jatra stands as a testament to Nepal's rich cultural heritage, drawing together people from all walks of life in a shared moment of tradition and mystery. As another year passes without a claimant, the legend of the bejeweled jacket continues to intrigue and captivate the imagination of Kathmandu's residents and visitors alike.
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