The inhabitants of this valley follow two traditional calendars. The first is known as Bikram Sambat (B.S), and the second is Nepal Sambat (N.S). The N.S calendar is also known as the Newar calendar incepted in the 9th century A.D.
As per chronicles and valley history, the new calendar marks the turn of an era. The shift was the righteous act of a man known as Shankadar Sakwa, a merchant who paid all debt of this valley. His deed was so profound that the state rulers, Mallas, initiated a new calendar. Nepal Sambat is a lunar arrangement that features 12 months, one of which is known as Gunla. The full moon is Gun Punhi.
It holds special importance for the Newar Buddhist households (Shakya & Bajracharya). During this month, each family, on a suitable date, performs numerous acts of charity. They (Newar Buddhists) restrain from consuming meat, fish and eggs for a month. They embark on a special pilgrimage to Kwa Bahal and Svayambhu. They as per their capacity perform numerous austerities and give alms.
Non-Buddhist Newar households only mark some of the events.
So what exactly is Gunla Dharma?
Dharma is a religious process. It features many activities and austerities, which include pilgrimages, prayers, meditation, giving of alms and others. Gunla Dharma is one month dedicated to providing the utmost reverence to Shakyamuni Buddha. This month is a holy month for Newar Buddhists.
On the first day of Gunla, devotees and musicians gather at a designated block in Lalitpur at 3 A.M and make ready for a grand procession. It is known as bogiwanegu. Devotees chant Buddhist hymns, and the musicians play an ensemble known as Naubaja. They head towards numerous Buddhist monasteries along a prescribed route.
The special alms for this month is locally known as Satu, wheat grain toasted and ground. It is offered to Shakyamuni Buddha by devotees. Whereas on the days of Pancha Daan, Buddhists offer five summer gifts: wheat grains (raw), unhusked rice grains, salt, money and fruits.
Vala is also known as Sringabheri, is till a week before Matayah. During Vala, devotees take daily walks to Buddhist sites. Matayah, however, is a full-day pilgrimage to all Buddhist landmarks of Lalitpur. This tradition (Matyah) is unique to the city and principalities of Lalitpur. Those who do not wish to partake in Matyah but have recently lost a family member visit the 4 stupas of Lalitpur at mid-night before Matayah.
Click here to read about Matyah
Another such pilgrimage is to Gosaikunda. This tradition is centuries old, where a family member of a grieving house embarks on a trek to this lake. They must reach it on Gun Punhi, which in Nepali is Janai Purnima. The elders speak of how taking this pilgrimage will assist the ascent of the recently departed to heaven.
The next day of Gun Punhi is Saparu, an important Newar event. Newar Buddhists visit the ample Bahah and Bahil’s of their city and present alms in earthen bowls. The offerings presented are as per the economic capacity of the giving family.
One of the last activities of Gunla is the Pancha Dan of Kathmandu. This occasion falls on Juga Charhe, which is three days before Nepali Fathers Day.
For this entire month, master musicians create an ensemble called Naubaja. They play various numbers in the bahah’s and bahil’s of their city. They also perform a grand orchestra at Buddhist monuments such as Svayambhu. Their plethora of instruments, when played together, create a performance that renders the audience speechless.
