Gathamug Chahre

Shrawan Krsihna Chaturdashi
This Chaturdashi is also considered a metal day. The significance of this Chartudashi is very different and practical among the Chartudashis of the year. It is believed that the procession started in the valley from this day. Everyone is welcome in the series of processions of 2080 BS.

What is Gathemaganal ?
Let's learn some things about Gathemaganal i.e. Ghantakarna Chartudashi. Gathemangal is called Gathanmuga in the Newa language and it is said that Gathemangal is derived from this word in Nepali.

The Existence of Ghosts and Gathamuga
All societies around the world have accepted the existence of ghosts in their own ways. Ghosts are given in the form of negative energy and the message that such negative energies can be used for the benefit of the society through Tantra Sadhana has been giving for centuries.

There are many stories in Kathmandu Valley, among which many stories are related to ghost stories. From the use of ghosts in the fields during planting to the horror stories of Khayaks are still heard in the streets of Kathmandu. There is a legend that ghosts used to be active throughout the sowing period since ghosts would be officially released on Akshaya Tritiya. In this way, instead of directly manifesting the ghosts themselves, they used to enter the ghosts in people and produce extraordinary working abilities. And since Ropai is not right to keep such ghosts in the society, there is a tradition of saying goodbye by making Gathamugah as a replica of the ghost on Shravan Krishna Chaturdashi.

What happens today?
 I must elaborate on an ancient practice that happens only in Nepal, it's about assembling plates and bowls from the big leaves of specific plants. These bowls and plates made by leaves are called Duna, Bota, and Taparis and it's customary to use these pure plates and bowls in every Nepali traditional rituals. Gathemangal Chaharey is the day when foods and offerings are kept in such paper bowls and plates and kept on crossroads, it is said that this day people offer such foods for ghosts and demons.

It is believed that by keeping such food and worshiping it, one can avoid the tantric intervention and effects caused by wind, fire, and various mantras including ghosts and vampires. Legend proves that even in Kathmandu, there have been monks and seekers skilled in Tantra Mantra since ancient times.

An escape from sorcery and evil movements.
Gathemangal is considered a special day to escape from sorcery and evil movements. The death of a gigantic monster called Ghantakarna is also commemorated in Gathemaganal. Ghantakarna is considered as a devout devotee of Lord Shiva in Sanatan Dharma and also as an envoy of Bhairav in Buddhism. Ghantakarna means scary with big ears. It is customary to turn the statues of many other demons and ghosts upside down for hours, and in doing so, it is customary for a man in a full blue robe to beg for alms from house to house. This alms delivery ensures solidarity and participation since ancient times. Today, Ghantakarma is a story but COVID and several other unseen microorganisms and infections are hampering humanity, may this day of Gathemangal also advocate for global solidarity to combat such infection and viruses.

In the end, such statues are carried to the river or burned. It is customary for the blue probe-wearing man to sit on top of the devil statues. In this sense, Gathemangal can be taken as a victory of humanity over evil forces.On this day, it is customary for people to wear a metal ring in the form of a Gathemangal ring. Gathemangal's ring is believed to protect evil forces and even misfortunes.

The custom of pinning three nails on the main gate to ward off ghosts is another memorable custom of Gathemangal, old wooden doors have hundreds of nail pinned marks that showcase their existence and history.

Children make Ghantakarna idols with bamboo and leaves and ask for voluntary donations from pedestrians. If someone refuses to donate in this way, the custom of shouting as the grandson of a demon is also amazing and fun. Gathemangal makes me believe that god and demons both have similar attractions in eastern and Sanatan philosophy. Lakhe dance also starts from Gathemangal, Lakhe dance lasts for a month. Gathemangal, which is a comparison between positive and negative forces and worships positive forces. Gathemangal is a day of excitement, enthusiasm, inspiration, and a smile.

Welcome to this historic Gathemangal, which carries history from the Gopal Dynasty and the Lichhavi Dynasty. Gathemangal has celebrated all over Nepal indifferent ways. There is also a belief that if donations are made on this day in the temples, misfortunes can be avoided.

-Suyog Dhakal