Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur, celebrates Gunla Parva.
Gunla Dharma गुँला धर्म ( गुनला धर्म) is one of the most revered months in the Newar Buddhist calendar, and Madhyapur Thimi comes alive during this time. In this unique time devotees visit Buddhist shrines and Bahals, take part in early morning processions and fill the old streets with Gunla music.
The occasion provides a beautiful insight into the ongoing legacy of Madhyapur Thimi, where Newar music, religious zeal, traditional Buddhist practices, and community life flourish. Feel the heartbeat of Gunla spirituality on the historic streets of Madhyapur Thimi with traditional music, Buddhist rites, devotional processions, and centuries of Newar history.
The Buddhist Newar community celebrates the Gunla Festival every year. The Gunla is a month-long festival which starts from the first day of the bright fortnight of Shravan Shukla Pratipada to the first day of the brilliant fortnight of Bhadra Shukla Pratipada.
During the early morning Gunla Baja processions during the Gunla Parva in Madhyapur Thimi, devotees play Nyaku Baja, a specially designed musical instrument created from the horn of the Jungle Arna.Madhyapur Thimi residents come together to commemorate Gunla Parva with traditional musical instruments, filling the streets with songs of devotion. Sacred scripture recitation, fasting, and pilgrimages to houses of worship are all part of the celebration, which is accompanied by devotional music performed on traditional instruments.
Gunla, which falls in August and is the tenth month of the Nepal Era, is devoted to Lord Buddha and is regarded as most sacred. It is a major spiritual occasion in Newar Buddhism, with celebrations taking place throughout Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur.
During this celebration, the Newar community travels around several Chaityas playing the traditional Dhaabaja, Flute, Nekubaja, Damokhin and other cultural instruments. It is thought that merit is attained, family happiness preserved, and mental calm and harmony enhanced.
Although there is no clear written record of when the Thimi Gunla Baja Khal was established, the Gunla Baja tradition is believed to be hundreds of years old among the Newar community. Looking at the cultural history of the Thimi region, it can be estimated that this Khal is at least 200 years old. The Thimi Gunla Baja Khal has been performing traditional musical instruments, organizing cultural programs, and training the new generation.
The “Prajapati,” “Manandhar,” and “Shakya Bajracharya” communities of Thimi have carried on the religious, musical, and social custom of visiting Temples, Baha, Bahi, and Chaityas, as well as playing the flute and Dhaabaja, during the Gunla festival.
In a similar vein, Nagdesh is also carrying on this tradition.
