Nepal
The Newar community across the country is celebrating Gathemangal, also known as Ghantakarna, with much fanfare today.
Believed to be the oldest one among other festivals of the community, this festival is observed by erecting the effigy of a three-legged demon named Ghantakarna on the crossroads on every street.
This festival is on the day of Shwawan Krishna Chaturdashi (the fourth day of the waxing moon in Shrawan as per the lunar calendar) every year.
According to cultural expert Tejeshwor Babu Gwanga, the effigies are made up of either wheat straw or bamboos, or branches of plants are burnt down at night. This is carried out either in the farmland or river or rivulet at night depending on the beliefs in different places and traditions within the community.
By doing so, it is believed that the crops do not get infected with insects or pests.
Worshippers take bath early in the morning, perform their ritual worship, and clean houses and courtyards.
The effigies of the demon are dragged and burnt down at night as a symbol of rejoicing the killing of the human-eating demon.
According to Gopal Bangshabali, Gathemangal is regarded as the symbol of Bhairava, the fierce form of Lord Shiva. It is customary that the newlyweds pay obeisance to Gathemangal.
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