Shani Pradosh Vrata/Gathamugah Chahre/World Youth skill day

Pradosh Vrat
Triodashi is called Pradosh. Like Ekadashi, Pradosh is important every month, Vishnu is remembered in Ekadashi and Shiva is remembered in Pradosh. Pradosh begins 45 minutes before sunset and ends 45 minutes after sunset.

As today's Pradosh Vrat fell on Saturday ie, Sanibar, this is why it's called Shani Pradosh Vrat.

Pradosha Katha
It is mentioned in the scriptures that Lord Shiva cured the disease of the moon on the day of Triodashi, when the effect of the moon was diminishing.

Due to this, Pradosh Vrat is observed in Triodashi of every month in remembrance of Lord Shiva. It is more fruitful to worship Shiva in the time of pradosh.

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.

Traditional Metal day
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.

World Youth skill day

Background
This day (July 15th, Youth Skill day) has been observed since the United Nations General Assembly in December 2014 decided to celebrate World Youth Skills Day on July 15. This day is celebrated to strengthen the socio-economic condition of the youth.

Why is World Youth Skills Day important?
In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared 15 July as World Youth Skills Day, to celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship. Since then, World Youth Skills Day events have provided a unique opportunity for dialogue between young people, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, firms, employers’ and workers’ organizations, policy makers and development partners. Participants have highlighted the ever-increasing significance of skills as the world is embarking on a transition towards a sustainable model of development.

Global Unemployment statistics
Everyone wants to earn a living. Even though the youths have strength in their chests and arms, due to the lack of skills required for employment, they are forced to quietly take some of the money they have got by suppressing the pride of their youth.

A 2015 study by the International Labor Organization (ILO) found that 7,10,000,000 young people around the world were unemployed and the unemployment rate was 13.1%. The ILO also estimated that this number would increase in 2017 in most countries of the world. The ILO's predictions may not be mathematical, but the global system shows that youth unemployment is on the rise.

Youth unemployment is not just a personal problem, it is a problem of structural unemployment. The same is true of research and practice from around the world. Unemployment will increase due to the lack of skills of the workers and the skills required by the market.

Due to globalization and the development of technology, the need for people all over the world is increasing. Various consumer goods and services are also increasing to meet this need. Social complexity is growing and that is why the market is flourishing. This booming market is demanding highly skilled workers. If a skilled worker can get a job even in the so-called lower-level jobs, he can be in a position to meet the basic needs. An example of this can be seen in the so-called developed countries from the income from low-level jobs such as driving, cleaning, etc. This clearly shows the growing need for skilled manpower around the world.

Structural unemployment harms all regions of the world. This undermines not only the global economy but also the goal of sustainable development by 2030 to build an inclusive and equal society. Developing young people's skills is the primary means of empowering them.

The goal of sustainable development by 2030 is also aimed at providing skills and employment opportunities to the youth. In Sustainable Development Goal 4.4, it is written that by 2030, there will be a significant increase in the number of skilled youth and adults. The goal of sustainable development is not the sole responsibility of the United Nations. This means that every nation and community should strive for the development of their society by taking ownership. Nepal shall also take care of Nepal's youth by enhancing the skill and craftsmanship of Nepali youth.

Suyog Dhakal