Chatha Nakha (Chatha Parva) and Ganesh Chaturthi: A Fusion of Myth and Celebration

Overview

Chatha Nakha, also known as Chatha Parva, is a significant festival celebrated by the Newar community in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. It occurs on the fourth day of Bhadra Shukla Chauthi, aligning with Ganesh Chaturthi according to the lunar calendar. This festival blends local Newar traditions with broader Hindu customs, centering around the worship of Lord Ganesh and associated rituals.

Mythological Background

The festival’s roots are deeply intertwined with a fascinating myth involving Lord Ganesh and the Moon God. According to the legend:

The Curse of Lord Ganesh: Once, during a gathering of gods, Lord Ganesh, known for his large stomach, arrived late due to his small ride, a rat that climbed slowly. The Moon God mocked Lord Ganesh's delay and ridiculed him with false pride. Enraged by this disrespect, Lord Ganesh cursed the Moon God, decreeing that anyone who saw him would be cursed to become a thief. As a result of the curse, the Moon’s light would not benefit those who saw it.

Reconciliation and the Curse's Impact: Fearing the curse, the gods pleaded with Lord Ganesh, and the Moon God cried out for relief. Although Lord Ganesh eventually lifted the curse to some extent, the stigma remained, and the Moon God continued to suffer from the prideful accusations. This legend is why, on Ganesh Chaturthi, one is believed to avoid seeing the moon to prevent bad luck and false accusations.

Festival Observances

Worship and Rituals: On Chatha Nakha, worship practices are performed to honor Lord Ganesh and to mitigate the effects of the Moon God’s curse. In the evening, devotees engage in rituals that offer various items such as green leaves, ginger, peach seeds, beans, cucumber, roasted corn, groundnuts, wheat, chickpeas, peas, and almonds. These offerings are made to appease the deities and seek their blessings.

Celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi: Ganesh Chaturthi, which coincides with Chatha Nakha, is a major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the son of Shiva and Parvati. Known also as Ganapati and Binayak, Lord Ganesh is revered as the remover of obstacles and the patron of arts and sciences. His worship marks the beginning of any religious ritual or new undertaking, reflecting his role as the god of intellect and wisdom.

Devotional Practices: On this day, Hindus across Nepal, especially in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, flock to temples dedicated to Lord Ganesh. Prominent temples such as Ashok Binayak and Chandra Binayak in Kathmandu, and Surya Binayak and Kamal Binayak in Bhaktapur, see a large influx of devotees. They perform prayers, make offerings, and participate in festive activities to honor Lord Ganesh and seek a peaceful and prosperous life.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Atonement and Renewal: Chatha Nakha serves as an occasion for atonement and reflection. By participating in the rituals and making offerings, devotees aim to cleanse past wrongdoings and renew their commitment to moral and spiritual growth.

Community and Tradition: The festival not only reinforces religious devotion but also strengthens community bonds. It showcases the vibrant cultural heritage of the Newar people and their dedication to preserving traditional practices while integrating broader Hindu elements.

In summary, Chatha Nakha (Chatha Parva) and Ganesh Chaturthi represent a rich tapestry of mythological lore and religious observance. The festival blends local Newar customs with the broader Hindu tradition, celebrating Lord Ganesh and offering a chance for communal reflection and renewal.