Public Project
Dust and Roads: Rooted in Tradition Clouded in Dust
The Rato Machindranath Jatra and Kathmandu’s Environmental Crisis
परम्परामा जरा गाडेको, धूलोमा डुबेको
रातो मच्छिन्द्रनाथको जात्रा र काठमाडौँमा वातावरणीय सङ्कट
Rooted in longstanding legend and tradition, Nepal’s Rato Machindranath Jatra festival reflects humanity’s symbiotic relationship with the environment. Originating during the reign of King Narendra Deva in the 6th Century AD, it celebrates the arrival of Machindranath – also known as Bunga Dyah - and the end of a devastating drought, said to have lasted 12 long years. Legend has it that this drought was the result of a curse by a vengeful sage, Gorakhnath, who was angered by the lack of respect shown to him. The sage entered a meditative state to subdue the nine Nagas who brought rain to the region.
A tantric counselled the King that the only way to end the drought was to summon Machindranath from Assam in Northeast India. After much exhortation, including some supernatural persuasion, Machhindranath was brought to Kathmandu. Out of reverence, Gorakhnath released the Nagas. The rains returned and Machindranath remained in Lalitpur. Each year, as the dry season gives way to the monsoon, chariots pulled through Lalitpur and Kathmandu honouring this legend, symbolizing connections between spiritual veneration, human actions and the environment.During the winter and dry seasons, Kathmandu’s air quality frequently reaches hazardous levels, regularly earning it the dubious distinction of being one of the globe’s most polluted cities. This noxious air can contribute to a host of health problems, including pneumonia, bronchitis, conjunctivitis, and skin allergies in the short term, and more severe conditions such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and kidney disease over time. The World Health Organisation has identified air pollution as the world’s largest single environmental health risk.
The spirit of community around the Rato Machindranath Jatra, and the veneration of these traditions is not just a means to recall the past. With its deep-rooted connection to natural cycles - and their disruption – the Rato Machindranath Jatra festival offers a poignant lesson, reminding us of the enduring bond between humans and the environment; a bond that, despite current strains, holds the promise of renewal and resilience.
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