MAT-YA
This festival falls in the month of August. Mat-ya is one of Patan's popular festivals. It consists of a day-long procession of devotees going around the Buddhist courtyards of the town and offering worship at the shrines there. Carrying lighted tapers and joss sticks in their hands, Mat-ya participants rush in a crowded line and visit the hundreds of Buddhist sites scattered all over Patan. They toss rice grains, flowers and coins at the shrines as they pass by. Some devotees wear elaborate and amusing costumes that are specially prepared for the festival. Traditional musical bands also take part in the procession.
Since rendering help to the participants earns religious merit for oneself even if one cannot join the procession, there are many people gathered at road intersections to offer assistance to the devotees. Some help in guiding the traffic and others stand ready with cold water and first aid. The people of Patan make it a point to participate in the Mat-ya procession at least once in their lifetime.
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