Gokarna^[*] Au(n)si [51], Honoring Fathers

Exactly four months after the new-moon day on which mothers are honored and commemorated [33], on the new-moon day^[46] closing the waning fortnight of Gu(n)laga there is an equivalent symmetrical event honoring and commemorating fathers. People whose fathers have died more than one year previously try to join other Nepalis in a mela at the village of Gokarna^[*] about five miles northeast of Kathmandu, at a spot on the Gokarna^[*] River adjacent to a Siva linga^[*] shrine.^[47] The pilgrims bathe in the river and perform a commemorative puja for their fathers and all their male deceased ancestors. People who cannot go to Gokarna^[*] nevertheless bathe and make the offerings at one of the tirtha s at the river in Bhaktapur.

Those people whose father is living worship him at home, married-out daughters and sons separated from the household returning for this purpose if possible. In the evening there is a feast in the house. (Moderate.)