Bhoto Jatra
marks the final day of the festival of Bungadya (Rato Machhendranath), one of
the most important cultural events in the city of Lalitpur. On this special
day, thousands of people from Lalitpur and neighboring districts gather at the
Jawalakhel ground for a dry picnic, turning the area into a lively social
space. Families and friends share meals outdoors, creating a festive atmosphere
under the scorching sun, right next to one of the city’s busiest roads.
However,
while the experience is filled with joy and cultural significance, one aspect
often gets overlooked - cleanliness. Despite the collective celebration, we tend
to leave behind large amounts of trash, littering the grounds where we’ve
enjoyed our meals. This behavior highlights a cultural gap in understanding the
importance of keeping public spaces clean, especially during large events like
Bhoto Jatra.
As much as
Bhoto Jatra is a celebration of tradition, it should also be an opportunity to
reflect on how we treat our surroundings. It’s essential that we not only
celebrate our cultural heritage but also take responsibility for keeping our
environment clean. Learning to respect the spaces where we gather will make
future festivals even more enjoyable for everyone.
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Jawalakhel ground |
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Wheels of God |
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Giant Chariots |