July 21, 2017

Ghanta Karna / Gatha Mungal (गथांमुगः)

Ghanta Karna (also called Ghanta Karna Chaturdasi and GhantaKarna) is a Newari festival celebrating the defeat of the mythical demon Ghanta-karna ("bell-ears") or "Gatha-Mungal" in local Newari language. According to the myth, the demon wore bell earrings in order to drown out the name of the god Shiva with their jingling. Attributed to him are acts of robbery, murder, and kidnapping of children. The festival is probably a relic of ancient demonolatry in the Kathmandu valley. The festival takes place during the month of Shrawan (July/August).