This full moon is especially
dedicated to Shiva. Many pilgrimages to sacred Shiva shrines,
like to the ice lingam at Amarnath (Kashmir),
and Lake Gosainkunda (north of
Kathmandu), where Shiva rested after having swallowed the deadly
Hala-hala poison, and thereby saved the world.
This is also the day when Brahmins
change their scared thread, and when protective strings are tied around
the wrists of just about eberybody, regardless of caste or creed.
The following day is celebrated in
Kathmandu Valley as Gai Jatra, 'the procession of cows'. The
Newars believe that this is the day when Yama, the God of Death opens
the gates of judgement. The soul of anybody who died in the
previous year, wanders a perilous journey till this day. It is
best assisted on its way by holding on to the tail of a holy cow.
Also, on this day, the cow will push the gates of Yama's realm open, so
that the soul can enter for judgement. Young boys from families
where somebody has died that year, dress up as cows, and parade thru
the streets, thereby helping the deceased to find their niche in the
afterlife.
fdfThis is
also day for public displays of humor. In the streets, men
dressed in outrageous costumes perform skits burlesquing Nepalese
customs, institutions, the government, political leaders, etc.
Newspapers come up with humorous editions, printing April Fool's type
news, and many cartoons. This tradition goes back to the
XVIIIth century, when a Malla king, after failing in many ways to
console his queen greiving over the loss of their son.
announced a large reward for anybody who could bring a smile to
the queen's face. Droves of people turned out in front of
the palace dressed in outlandish costumes, lampooning all aspects of
Nepalese society. The queen laughed and the the practice became a
tradition.
On the
third day after the full moon is Mata-Ya. It is the equivalent of
Gai Jatra for Newari Buddhists, who find it undignified to participate
in the antics of Gai Jatra during the sacred month of Gunla. The
day is said to honor Lord Buddha's victory over Mara who could not
distract or tempt the Budddha away from His meditations.
In Patan
there is a day-long procession of men, women, and children carrying
lighted lamps and candles to honor their dead. They are
accompanied by many groups dressed in caste and neighborhood attire,
singing loudly praises of Lord Buddha, and playing on drums, cymbals
and flutes.
In
Kathmandu, Newari Buddhists stage their own procession. It is
also the last day to visit the bahals and see the exhibitions of images
and relics that occurs during the holy month of
Gunla. The Kumari is taken out a palanquin to see one of those exibitions.
Gunla. The Kumari is taken out a palanquin to see one of those exibitions.
In the
evening, at dharamsalas all over the old city there is the singing of
religious songs.
Love & pranams,
Billy