Gathamug Chahre | गथांमुगः चःह्रे | 2081 Shrawan 18 | Hamro Patro

Gathamug Chahre

Gathamugah Chahre
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. 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.


What happens in Ghantakarna Chaturdashi ?
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.

Tantra Sadhana and Gathāmugah Chahre
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.