Gatha Mugha Cha: Re is celebrated in the month of July by the Newar community to let go of all kinds of bad energy from home. On this day, people make a structure named Gatha Mugha with straw and it’s burnt at every crossroads—dobato, tindobato, satdobato. To know more about this fascinating culture and to explore whether the custom has changed, ApEx asked three people to share their views.

Durga Laxmi Naga, 50

I remember this tradition has been followed in my community since I was child. It’s celebrated to release bad energies—spirits that might harm us spiritually, physically, and psychologically. The way the structure is made has remained unchanged over the years. It’s built using straw for the body, a small bamboo pipe as the handle, a curd pot for the head, and various other items. On this day, farmers specially eat roti as a symbol of purity.

Samir Ranjitkar, 21

It’s a fun tradition that children enjoy being a part of. On this day, a structure called the ‘ghost’—though it might have different names depending on the region—is burned to drive away negative energy from the home. When we were young, our parents would make dolls for us to burn as well, symbolizing the destruction of any bad luck we might have. The structure is carried to the site accompanied by the lively beat of the ‘dhime’ drum. During the procession, people shout harsh and offensive words to symbolize the casting out of evil. However, when the ceremony concludes, positive and sacred words are spoken to invite blessings and good energy.

Kristina Shrestha, 19

Gathamugha is a traditional festival celebrated primarily by the Gathamugaewar community in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. Our grandparents told us that Ghanta Karna was a powerful demon who terrorized people, robbed them, killed travelers, and rejected deities. So, people used to take help from gods and deities and kill them by luring them into traps. It’s believed that burning them helps cast out bad omens, diseases, and misfortunes, especially since monsoon is associated with increased illnesses. I find it fun and enjoy it a lot. I think the new generation should keep on celebrating it and make it known to other people as well. This way we can save our traditions and culture.