KATHMANDU: The ‘Gunla Parva’ celebrated by the Buddhists and Newari communities of Kathmandu Valley for a month has started from Friday with fanfare and cultural activities.
In Newari language ”Gun” means Ninth and “La” means month. This festival is celebrated on the ninth month of Nepal Sambat calendar.
During the month-long festival, Newar Buddhists recite 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.
The festival celebrates the event when the Buddha overcame Mara, or temptation, and attained the light of wisdom. Devotees visit Buddhist shrines and sacred courtyards in the city in a winding file and offer worship to the images.
Photo: Sushil Aryal/newspolar.com
