Ghanta Karna
Ghanta Karna (Gathyamuga)
Also known as the Festival of Boys because young boys play a primary role in the celebration of Ghanta Karna's death, this day is observed in Nepal by erecting effigies at various crossroads and making passers-by pay a toll. After they've spent the day collecting tolls and preparing for the Ghanta Karna funeral, the boys tie up the effigy with a rope and throw it in the river. Sometimes the effigy is set on fire before being thrown in the water. Young girls hang tiny dolls on the effigy of Ghanta Karna to protect themselves from the monster.
Children also sell iron rings on this day and use the money to buy candy. It is believed that those who have iron nails in the lintels of their homes or are wearing an iron ring will be protected from evil spirits in the coming year.
Kantipur Online
Subidhanagar, Tinkune
Kathmandu, BA 8559 Nepal
977-1-4480100; fax: 977-1-4470178
www.kantipuronline.com
BkHolWrld-1986, Aug 23
FolkWrldHol-1999, p. 464