Gathemangal: Bhaktapur Newars Worship, Then Burn A Demon
Summary
Bhaktapur’s Newar community marked Gathemangal by building effigies of the demon Ghantakarna, worshipping them and burning them at dusk. The ritual included morning bathing and home cleaning, protective iron rings and children collecting customary jagat offerings.
Key Points
- Bhaktapur’s Newar community observed Gathemangal, also called Gathamugh Chahre or Ghantakarna Chaturdashi, on Tuesday.
- Residents built effigies of Ghantakarna, worshipped them and burned them at dusk as part of the ritual.
- The observance is believed to remove negative energy and inauspicious influences for the coming year.
- The day also included bathing, home cleaning, wearing iron rings for protection, and children collecting jagat offerings.
