Gathemangal 2078 Bhaktapur II Newar Community Festival गठामुग चह्रे । गठेम‌गल भक्तपुर

Gathemangal : The day of Saun Shukla Chaturdashi, Sharwan month (July/August) trayodashi (third day)the Newar community celebrates Gathemangal or Ghantakarna. At Dobato and Chaubato, a three-legged linga-shaped group of reeds is used to celebrate. The Gathemangal festival is held in remembrance of the death of the 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.
On this day people also wear metal rings which is believed to have the power to safeguard people from all ills and evil spirits. 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.

Demon dummies are erected at the crossroads streets. At such intersections, people place pots of cooked rice for him. The dummy is dragged at the end of the day to the nearby bank of the river for disposal.