KATHMANDU, JULY 24

A mother swings her child toward the fire and smoke of a burnt straw effigy of the mythical demon Ghanta Karna during Gathemangal festival celebrations in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

According to tradition, burning the effigy is believed to drive away evil spirits and protect children from diseases.

Photos by Skanda Gautam for The Himalayan Times