KATHMANDU, April 17:  Rato Machhindranath is worshiped as the god of rain. According to legends, it is believed to have been brought to Kathmandu from Kamaru Kamakhya, India. Chariot of this deity is pulled with much fanfare during the chariot festival that is attended by a huge crowd in Kathmandu. 

The idol of Rato Machhindranath is painted in red representing human facial features. It is painted every year, after erasing the artwork of the previous year. On Monday, the work of painting the color in the idol of Rato Machhindranath was completed for this year's Jatra.

Gambhir Neku and Amir Neku have been coloring since April 10. According to Gambhir Neku, it takes an average of three to four days for coloring. In Patan, Neku is the only family that colors the idol of Machhindranath.

The art that was made in the previous year should be erased using Gokul Dhup (a kind of incense). Mud brought from Myhepi on an auspicious day is smeared on it. The idol is painted with Simrik (vermilion powder). White color and Kaajal made up of burnt cotton wicks are used to color the eyes. 

The body is painted at the end. The idol of Rato Machhindranath is required to be painted every year as its shape and structure gets damaged during the chariot pulling ceremony. It takes almost a week to paint the statue. 

 
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