Kathmandu, September 13
Around 200,000 devotees visited Swayambhunath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, during a month-long festival organised by the Swayambhu Management and Conservation Federation.
Followers of Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism from Nepal and abroad attended the Gunla festival held at Swayambhunath. The festival, which began on August 13, concluded formally on Saturday night.
Chandraratna Buddhacharya, secretary of the federation, said Buddhists regard the month as sacred, believing that it was during this period that Buddha attained enlightenment and delivered his message for the welfare of humanity.
According to Buddhacharya, devotees traditionally visit nearby religious sites, including Shobha Bhagwati and Bijeshwari, after visiting Swayambhunath.
The conservation federation managed crowds visiting Swayambhunath and nearby monasteries and made arrangements for street lighting during the festival, he said.
Devotees believe that participating in the festival and visiting the religious sites helps accumulate religious merit.
Buddhacharya said devotees also attended the festival to listen to stories about Buddha’s life and teachings, which were recited throughout the month.
In Sanskrit, Swayambhu means “self-arisen land.” Buddhists believe that Bipashwi Buddha visited the site and worshipped there.
The site is particularly significant to Buddhists, and followers of various Buddhist traditions, including Hinayana and Mahayana, express their faith through religious activities there.
—RSS
