In the Kathmandu Valley, amidst the vibrant Newar traditions, there exists a day known as Gathamuga: Chareh. It is a much-anticipated occasion that falls on the thirteenth day of the waxing moon, during the month of Dillaagaa Chareh, as per the Nepal Sambat Calendar. Although it is called “Gathey Mangal” by those unfamiliar with its true essence, its significance stretches far beyond a mere name.
According to the Bikram Sambat Calendar, Gathamuga Chareh takes place on the fourteenth day of the waxing moon fortnight in the month of Shrawan. Its origins are believed to be rooted in the ancient Licchavi era, spanning from around 450 to 750 CE, or even reaching back to the Gopala era, the very first dynasty of Nepal.
The term “Gathamuga:” carries a profound meaning in the Newar language. “Ga” symbolizes a house, “tha” represents a pillar, and “muga” signifies strength. Thus, on this auspicious day, the Newars who have immersed themselves in the arduous task of rice planting in the previous month (Ashadh) embark on a house-cleansing journey. Because this demanding agricultural season left them with scarce time to tend to their homes. Hence, as the first light of dawn breaks on Gathamuga, they rise with a determination to cleanse every nook and cranny of their abodes. Through this meticulous process, they believe they can banish unwelcome spirits, ward off pesky insects, and even keep diseases at bay.
But the cleansing of their homes is only the beginning. The Newars then turn their attention to their beloved deity, Kumar Kartikeya, who is considered the firstborn of the mighty god Shiva. In reverence, they offer their prayers and perform sacred rituals to honor him. Among these rituals, the fire ceremony holds paramount significance. A bundle of straw is set ablaze, its wisps of smoke swirling and purifying every corner of the dwelling. Once the ritual is complete, the remnants of the sacred fire are discarded at a nearby crossroads, symbolizing the casting away of negative energies.
The legend of Ghantakarna
Throughout the city, reed effigies, bound together by straw ropes, are erected at various intersections and These effigies, known as Gathaamuga Khyaa, or simply “Ghantakarna” in the Nepali language.
Ghanta: bells and Karna: Ears; Ghantakarna is one who wears bells on the ears and terrorized the people of Kathmandu Valley in ancient times.
As the day progresses, people of all age groups participate to construct the straw effigy of this mythical demon. Bamboos are used to construct the body frame to which rice stalks and reeds are sewn into the long mat with fringes making the rest of his body. Green nigalo bamboo (Himalayacalamus asper) is wrapped in straw make hands. His face is mostly a readymade paper drawing pasted on a straw head but some lucky devils get a clay head too (scroll down to see photos). A necklace of rag dolls called Katamaricha is tied to his neck and lastly, to tell the demon is a male they attach a huge male reproductive organ to his pelvis.
These haunting figures are ceremoniously dragged to the nearby river or crossroads, where they are tenderly laid to rest through cremation, marking the culmination of the festival. Now the Ghantakarna has fallen down sending plumes of smoke into the air, as a final act, parents fly their children over the demon pyre remains to ward off their bedwetting habit and protect them from any health hazards. (an ancient belief)
Gathamuga Chareh is not merely a festival; it is a testament to the deep-rooted Newar heritage and spiritual beliefs that have thrived for centuries.
Constructing the straw effigy of the mythical demon Ghantakarna.
A skeleton of Ghantakarna Effigy.
Attaching elements that symbolize a significant aspect of the demon’s anatomy, resembling male genitals, with pomelo fruits representing testicles, straw cylinder the phallus, and cotton lace his semen.
The head-poster of Ghantakarna, pomelo fruits representing testicles and phallus fashioned out of straw.
While men of Bhaktapur make straw effigies of the demon Ghantakarna women sew rag dolls called Katamaricha. The necklace made out of Katamaricha is later wrapped around Ghantakarna’s neck during the festival.
The Katamaricha dolls.
Upclose of Ghantakarna head
Ghantakarna is ready for a parade but before that lets take photos.
The playful spirit of a young boy imitates the tongue gesture of the mythical demon Ghantakarna.
Parents and grandparents bring their children to watch this special event, hoping that they will carry the tradition on in the future. It’s a way to chase away Ghantakarna and keep their culture alive.
In order to announce the parade of the mythical demon Ghantakarna, Newar musicians clash cymbals and beat double-headed drums called Dhah in Bhaktapur.
Ghantakarna’s procession through the ancient town of Bhaktapur.
Effigy of mythical demon Ghantakarna is paraded through the ancient town of Bhaktapur and then burnt into ashes at nearby crossroads or riverbank, Bhaktapur.
Locals carry the Effigy of the mythical demon Ghantakarna during the procession.
Locals carry the Effigy of the mythical demon Ghantakarna during the procession.
Locals carry the Effigy of the mythical demon Ghantakarna during the procession.
Straw torches.
Plastic wraps to save Demon from rain.
Ghantakarna set ablaze at a crossroad, Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Crowd taking selfie/photos with Ghantakarna on fire
Parents fly their children over the demon pyre remains to ward off their bedwetting habit and protect them from any health hazards.
Parents fly their children over the demon pyre remains to ward off their bedwetting habit and protect them from any health hazards.
