Gunla Festival Begins
Summary
The month-long Gunla festival has begun in Kathmandu, with Buddhist followers of the Newar community circumambulating stupas, offering prayers, and playing traditional instruments. Swayambhu Mahastupa and other sacred sites across the valley are seeing increased participation from devotees.
Key Points
- The month-long Gunla festival, celebrated by Buddhist followers of the Newar community, began on Thursday.
- Devotees are circumambulating Swayambhu Mahastupa, Boudhanath, Pulchowk in Patan, and other stupas in the valley with traditional musical instruments.
- The Nyakun horn instrument, along with Dha, Dhime, Bhusya, and Bansuri, is a major feature of the festival.
- Locals say the festival helps preserve religious faith and the cultural identity of the Newar community among the younger generation.
