15/07/2023
‘’Ghanta Karna’’ is a Nepalese Newari festival that celebrates the defeat of the mythical demon Ghanta-karna ("bell-ears") or ‘’Gatha-Mungal’’ in local Newari language. The festival takes place during the month of Shrawan (July/August) on the Chaturdashi date of the dark fortnight.
According to the myth, the demon wore bell earrings in order to drown out the name of the god Shiva with their jingling. He was also known for his acts of robbery, murder, and kidnapping of children. To get rid of him, people made a dummy of him with straw and old clothes and burned it at the crossroads. They also hung dolls made by young girls on the effigy to protect themselves from evil spirits.
The festival is also known as ‘’Gathe Mangal’’ or ‘’Gathamuga Chare’’ in Newari language. It is considered as a festival of sanitation and strength by the Newar community.
