BHAKTAPUR, JULY 24

Ghantakarna Chaturdashi, popularly known as Gathemangal, was celebrated with traditional fervor across Bhaktapur on Wednesday. The festival, observed annually on Shrawan Krishna Chaturdashi, commemorates the slaying of the demon Ghantakarna, who is said to have terrorized and killed people.

Rooted in ancient beliefs, the Newar community marks this day as a ritual to protect against demons and evil spirits. In Bhaktapur, the celebration took a dramatic turn as locals swung their children toward blazing bonfires - a tradition believed to safeguard them from illness and prevent enuresis (bedwetting).

The streets of Bhaktapur came alive with processions, effigy burnings, and chants as the community came together to banish evil and invoke good health.

Photos by Rajesh Gurung for The Himalayan Times