Rato Machhindranath is considered both a Hindu

Hindu

Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...

  and Buddhist god, who by legend was brought from Assam

Assam

Assam , also, rarely, Assam Valley and formerly the Assam Province , is a northeastern state of India and is one of the most culturally and geographically distinct regions of the country...

, India

India

India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...

 by a farmer to Lalitpur valley in Nepal

Nepal

Nepal , officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India...

 to prevent a drought during the rice season. It is known as Bundyo to local Newars. The longest running chariot festival in Nepal recreates this event in hope for good rain. This festival is called the Rato Machhindranath jatra. It begins with the construction of the chariot in Pulchowk, Lalitpur and ends with the Bhoto Jatra festival in Jawalakhel. It is attended by the head of state of Nepal. It is celebrated by Buddhists and Hindus of Newar community. It is celebrated by carrying the chariot to different places in the town of Patan.

The name "Rato Machhindranath" translates as "Rato" meaning Red and Machhindranath consists of 2 words "Macchindra or Matsyendra" which means Fish (Matsya meaning fish) and Nath being the god. Rato Machhindranath has been worshipped as a god of rain and the festival starts just before the monsoon arrives in Kathmandu.

External links

• http://sushma.blogspot.com/2004/04/on-road-with-red-god.html
• http://www.thecosmosphere.com/god_of_rain/