KATHMANDU, Aug 17: A month-long "Gunla" festival, one of the important festivals of the Newar Buddhist community has begun from today.
In Newari Language ”Gun” means Ninth and “La” means month. This festival is celebrated on the ninth month of Nepal Sambat calendar.
Celebrating the month of Gunla through cultural performances
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.