Gunla Festival Officially Begins in Nepal

The month-long Gunla Parva festival, one of the most revered celebrations among Buddhist communities, officially began today. Observed from Gunlathwa Paru to Nhalathwa Paru according to the Nepal Sambat calendar, this year’s festivities continue until Bhadra 8 (24 August).

The name “Gunla” stems from the Nepal Bhasa language, where “Gun” means nine and “La” means month — highlighting that the festival takes place during the ninth month of the Nepal Sambat calendar. Cultural experts explain that this linguistic origin is why the festival goes by the name Gunla.

A signature feature of Gunla Parva is the melodious sound of Nau Baja, a set of nine traditional musical instruments played during the celebrations. While the festival holds deep significance for Buddhists, people from various religious backgrounds also join in, embracing the spirit of unity and cultural heritage.

Throughout Gunla Parva, devotees embark on ritualistic visits to monasteries, bahas, bahi, and chaityas scattered across the city. This is marked by the practice of parikrama, or circumambulation, where worshippers walk reverently around sacred sites.

Daily, Buddhist followers circumambulate the major chaityas — the great stupas — and also pay homage at smaller ones nestled within the Kathmandu Valley. A distinctive tradition during the festival is the playing of the Nya-Kun Baja, a unique instrument crafted from buffalo horn, adding a special sound to the festive atmosphere.

In recent years, Gunla Parva has seen a revival and enrichment of its musical traditions. Alongside the Nau Baja and Nya-Kun Baja, people now also play instruments like Dhaa Baja, Bansuri (flute), Dhimay Baja, and Bhushya Baja. As worshippers stroll through chaityas and local temples dedicated to deities such as Ganesh, Bhimsen, Bhairav, and the Astamatrikas (the eight mother goddesses), these traditional sounds fill the air, enhancing the vibrancy of the celebrations.

Gunla Parva remains a cherished cultural and spiritual occasion, bringing communities together to honor Buddhist heritage through music, ritual, and devotion.