This month long vibrant and fascinating festival usually begins some time in April as per the lunar calendar. A huge 40ft. high chariot is constructed and the idol of Red Machhendranath is placed in it. An elaborate rituals are performed before the chariot is pulled through the specific routes in Patan. Thousands of devotees gather around the chariot to witness it and worship the deity. Every 12th year, the chariot festival starts from Bungamati. For the residents of the Kathmandu valley, this is the longest and one of the most important social and religious events of the year. On the last day of the chariot festival, head of the state also comes to witness the event. Often referred as Bhoto Jatra, this festival is one of the oldest, uninterrupted festivals upheld by the people of the valley.