'Kshama Puja' performed in Nepal's Lalitpur held day after deadly clash

Sep 05, 2020

Lalitpur (Nepal), Sep 05 (ANI): A day after locals and police clashed over pulling of Rato Macchindranath Chariot, Kshama Puja or Worship for Forgiveness has been held on Friday with clamping of curfew in the city. Procession was held in front of chariot which was dragged by locals which set off a clash with police, injuring dozens. The chariot now stands on road side after being dragged some meters down from point where it was built and kept there since 3 months. The District Administration Office (DAO) Lalitpur on Thursday decided to clamp down curfew in the city (inside Ring Road) beginning 4 AM today which has deadline till 10 PM on Friday. "Aajus," or the "Priests" witnessed the puja which was held during the curfew. After performing the Kshama Puja, the chariot procession can be held which will be very brief this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Guthiars, have decided to tour Lord Rato Macchindranath around the city confirming appropriate astrological timing. It is expected to be concluded by September 11 by fast tracking the ceremony. Chariot procession of Rato Macchendranath also called as "Bunga Dugh" in Newari meaning the God of Rain and Harvest is longest Jatra in Nepal which runs on for months depending widely on astronomy. It should have started on April, as earlier years but coronavirus pandemic pushed back the dates twice-once in April and again in June. But with end of lockdown on July, construction of chariot was expedited by "Guthi" or social organization assigned to hold on traditional processions and festivals in society.