KATHMANDU, Aug 5: A month-long ‘Gunla’ festival has commenced in Swayambhu from today.

The Swayambhu Management and Conservation General Committee has expected a higher turnout of devotees this year, following the recent reconstruction of monuments at the historic site.

Ashok Buddhacharya, the Committee’s general secretary, stated that makeshift tent shops have been removed for the convenience of visitors.

The organizing committee has anticipated that around 500,000 people from both home and abroad will attend the event.

In Newari Language ‘Gun’ means ninth and ‘La’ means month. This festival is celebrated on the ninth month of Nepal Sambat calendar.

On this occasion, a fair is held at the Swayambhunath, the famous Buddhist shrine, for a month.

During the festival, Newar Buddhists recite the scriptures, observe fasts and visit places of worship playing devotional music. The pilgrims, along with their traditional musical instruments, visit Swayambhunath Stupa early in the morning every day.