The Creator of GODS | Gathemangal - Ghantakarna - Bhaktapur ~ Chasing away evil spirits |
Stock Photography Nepal
The Gathemangal-Ghantakarnafestival is held in remembrance of the death of legendary devil Ghantakarna. There is a belief in Nepal that there was a demon called Ghantakarna, a mythical demon causing chaos among the people. It is said that this festival is observed in order to remember Ghantakarna’s demise. According to myth, the villagers were terrorized by a demon called Ghantakarna by taking the villager’s children and women. He used to demand money and presents from the farmers and villagers. His body was dressed in purple, blue and black and on his head, he used to wear a pair of rings. He looked very terrifying and the bells jingled every time he moved. He got his name at his ears from the rings, i.e. Ghanta means bell and Karna means mouth. Like most Nepali festivals, the Gathemangal or Ghantakarna Chaturdasi festival is an example of the victory of good over evil.
Gathamangal is an effigy of powerful demon also known as Ghantakarna.The myth says that it started eating children when it had nothing to eat. So, people came together, chased it down to cremate. To make an effigy, we call people around the neighborhood
Some get reeds from outskirt while some collect donations from local shops.
Old aged people groups to create demonic effigy using straws and reeds. They start with three legs, body and finally head. Women and young girls make a garland of cloth dolls
It is believed that demon shelters in dolls if not cremated along with Gathamangal. The effigy is showcased in crossroad for a while then youths carry it to outskirt to cremate. Young kids are swayed over its ash with belief that they won't be malnourished. Gathamangal is even beaten with a stick after cremation to make sure that it won't come back.
Thank you
Rabindra Jyakhwo
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