This Chaturdashi is also considered as a metal day. The significance of this Chartudashi is very different and practical among the Chartudashis of the year. 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.
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.
Gathemangal is considered as 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 the solidarity and participatory since ancient times. Today, Ghantakarma is a story but COVID and several other unseen microorganism and infections are hampering the humanity, may this day of Gathemangal also advocate for a 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 provide protection against 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 which showcases their existence and history.
Children make Ghantakarna idol with bamboo and leaves and asks for voluntarily donation with 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 is 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
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