A delegation from Lalitpur Metropolitan City, led by Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan, has arrived in Guwahati, India, to participate in an international conference on Rato Machhindranath. The conference, organized by Guwahati University in Assam, India, will feature the participation of several prominent individuals. Among those attending are key representatives such as the Tourism and Culture Committee Coordinator and Ward No. 5 Chairman, Bikashman Shrestha; Ward No. 6 Chairman, Rupendra Raj Shakya; and Ward No. 19 Chairman, Rajendra Maharjan.
Additionally, the conference will see the presence of Lalitpur Metropolitan City‘s Intangible Heritage Advisor, Badanlal Nyachyo; Tourism Advisor, Dilendra Raj Shrestha; and Chief Administrative Officer, Rekhadas Shrestha. Other notable attendees include the President of the Rato Machhindranath Paneju Sangh, Yagyaratna Shakya, the President of the Jyapu Society Lalitpur, Santaman Maharjan, and representatives from various local guthis (traditional community organizations).
According to Mayor Maharjan, the conference will delve into the historical, religious, and cultural significance of Rato Machhindranath, who is believed to have been brought to the Kathmandu Valley from Kamakhya, Assam, India, around 1,400 years ago. The discussions will help reinforce historical legends and provide deeper insights into the deity’s importance.
“This conference will not only enhance our understanding of Rato Machhindranath but also strengthen cultural ties between Nepal and India. The discussions among experts will be highly beneficial and could lay the groundwork for new dimensions in the cultural and tourism development of our metropolitan city,” said Mayor Maharjan.
Tourism and Culture Committee Coordinator Bikashman Shrestha added that the conference will provide new facts about Rato Machhindranath, worshipped as the God of Rain and Harvest, and will contribute to making the Rato Machhindranath Jatra in Lalitpur more impactful. “The participation of our representatives in this program will allow them to gain a deeper understanding of the subject,” he said. The Rato Machhindranath Jatra and its grand chariot procession are well-known worldwide.
