Murkatta () is a headless ghost with eyes and mouth in chest and carrying its head tucked under its arm. Murkatta is mentioned in various Nepali culture and traditions. They are considered as the spirits from the dead. The Murkatta is also interpreted as a person whose head has been cut down, symbolizing the defeat or a loss of intellect.

In contemporary culture and religion

The concept of Murkatta has inspired various works in contemporary culture, arts and literature. Some are listed below. * In

Kathmandu , pushpin_map = Nepal Bagmati Province#Nepal#Asia , coordinates = , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name = , subdivision_type1 = Province , subdivision_name1 = Bagmati Prov ...

, Nepal, a festival is celebrated on the day of

Ghode Jatra Ghode Jatra(Nepali:घोडे जात्रा) is a horse festival native to Kathmandu. The festival occurs annually on mid March or early April. In the festival, a horse parades is organized in Tundikhel. The parade and competitions is carri ...

to scare away the ''Murkatta'' and prevent its evil eyes from the children. * In

Varanasi Varanasi (; ; also Banaras or Benares (; ), and Kashi.) is a city on the Ganges river in northern India that has a central place in the traditions of pilgrimage, death, and mourning in the Hindu world. * * * * The city has a syncretic t ...

, India, a fifth century headless sculpture of the Buddha is worshipped as ''Murkatta Baba''. * The Sisne mountain(Nepali:सिस्ने हिमाल) in

Rukum district Rukum District ( ne, रुकुम जिल्ला) was a "hill" and "mountain" district some west of Kathmandu partially belonging to Lumbini Province and partially to Karnali Province before split into two districts Western Rukum Distric ...

is nicknamed as ''Murkatta'' in local language. * ''Murkatta Lass'' is a Nepali book by Dirgabahu.

References

{{reflist Nepalese culture Nepalese folklore Nepalese legendary creatures

In contemporary culture and religion

See also

References