Gathe Mangal (Ghanta karna Chaturdashi)
3rd August 2005
Gathe Mangal is one of the typical Newar festivals of the
Kathmandu Valley. This fun filled festival falls during the
month of July/August and this year it was marked on 3rd August.
This festival is associated with the exorcism of the devil
Ghanta Karna or Ghanta – Muga demon. People wear metal rings
called gathemangalko aunthi. The ring is believed to have the
power to safeguard people from all ills and evil spirits. Before
nightfall, the locals hammer three legged nails onto the door
lintels to scare away the ghosts.
Effigies of the demon are erected at street crossroads. People
place pots of cooked rice at such intersections for him. A man
wearing black and blue paint all over his body goes about
begging for money. At the end of the day, the effigy is dragged
to the nearby river bank for disposal with the painted man
sitting on it.
There are various legends and myths attached to the Ghanta Karna
devil that is revered as well as feared. Whatever the myths are
there, people of Kathmandu Valley celebrate this festival
cheerfully.
Shrawane Sombar (Mondays of Shrawan)
Monday Faith : A throng of women folks offering worship Monday
on the Santaneshwor Mahadev, located at Maru tole of the capital
city on the occasion of Shrawan Sombar. Married as well as
unmarried women worship Lord Mahadev during the month of
Shrawan(Brikram Sambat Calendar). They will do fasting and pray
for a prosperous and happy family life. They visited several
Shiva temples to offer prayers.
Nag Panchami
10th August 2005
On the fifth day of the bright half of Shravan people worship
the snake, “nag”. The day is known as “Nag Panchami”. Naga
Panchami is the festival of snakes celebrated on the fifth day
of the bright fortnight in the month of Shravan. The festival
falls during the rainy months and is believed to counter the
increased possibility of a snake bite during this time. People
visit temples specially dedicated to snakes and worship them.
Shiva temples are also favoured places for veneration as snakes
are considered dear to him. In Nepal , people craft images of
snakes using cow dung on either side of the entrance to the
house to welcome the snake god.
Article By : Sunil
Sharma Source : Archana Shrestha / Sunil
Sharma
3th August 2005
