The Iron Ring and the Nail

While the effigy stands at the crossroads, the houses put up their own protection, and it is made of iron.

A three-legged iron nail is hammered above the doorway of the house. People buy and wear an iron ring, which is meant to stay on the finger until the following year's Gathamuga: Charhe — so the rings you see on hands in the Kathmandu Valley at any time of year were mostly put on during one of these nights. Both are against the spirits believed to be abroad on this one night.

Stalls selling the rings appear around temples and in the market squares in the days beforehand, and they are cheap.

This is the most quietly interesting part of the festival, because it is among the very few Newar rituals still bought and performed by people who would not describe themselves as religious. The effigy is a community event and has an audience; the ring is a private hedge. A great many people who would shrug at the demon still put one on.