Health Camp and Free Foot Massage Service During Mataya Festival
On 11th August, 2025, Rotaract Club of Yala, in association with Rotary Club of Yala, organized a health camp and free foot massage service for devotees participated in the Mataya festival at Nagbahal, Lalitpur. More than 50 devotees of Mataya procession received medical support and foot massages, while water and juice were also distributed to participants.
Rotary Club of Yala also provided financial support for this initiative. Other services were actively provided by the dedicated Rotaractors.
Mataya is one of the most important festivals of the Newar community in Lalitpur, celebrated every year in August, the day after the festival of Gai Jatra. During the Mataya, participants visit almost all the temples, stupas, and chaityas in and around the old city of Lalitpur, covering more than 1,400 religious sites. On the day of Mataya, participants gather at the lead locality from where the procession begins and start their journey early in the morning. Completing the procession takes the entire day. Some devotees choose to make the journey barefoot.
During the procession, devotees offer rice, flowers, and money to the chaityas according to their capacity. Some devotees take part carrying candles and torches, accompanied by traditional musicians playing cultural instruments. Many men and women also dress in comical attire, adding a festive charm to the occasion.
It is considered that this procession began during the Lichchhavi period. It is believed that Gun Kamdev, the son of King Balchandra Dev, started this journey.
