Gunla
{{Short description|Sacred month of Newar Buddhists in Nepal}}
{{Infobox holiday
|holiday_name=
|image=Dipankar lagan wk.jpg|caption= Statues of Dipankara Buddha on display during Gunlā in Kathmandu
|nickname= Gunlā Parva in Nepali
|observedby= Nepalese Buddhists
|date=
|observances= Image displays, musical processions, alms distribution, fasting, prayer
|celebrations=
|type=Buddhist
|longtype=Religious
|significance=Celebrates rains retreat started by the Buddha
|begins=
|ends=
|date2014= 27 July - 26 August Gunlā
3 August Panjarān (alms giving) in Lalitpur
7 August Bahidyah Bwayegu (Buddha display)
10 August Gunhi Punhi (Full Moon Day)
12 August Matayā (procession)
23 August Panjarān (alms giving) in Kathmandu
|date2015=
|startedby =
}}
Gunlā (Nepal Bhasa: गुँला) (also spelt Gumlā) is the tenth month in the Nepal Sambat lunar calendar, the national lunar calendar of Nepal.{{cite news|title=Nepal Sambat gets national status|url=http://www.gorkhapatra.org.np/detail.php?article_id=8874&cat_id=5|access-date=18 May 2014|newspaper=The Rising Nepal|date=24 October 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020104054/http://www.gorkhapatra.org.np/detail.php?article_id=8874&cat_id=5|archive-date=20 October 2013}} It corresponds to August of the Gregorian Calendar.
Gunla is a holy month for Newar Buddhists when they recite the scriptures, observe fasts and visit places of worship playing devotional music. It is one of the most important events in Newar Buddhism.{{cite web| last =Locke| first =John K.| url =http://www.niem.com.np/newararticles/unique_features.htm| title =Unique Features of Newar Buddhism| publisher =Nagarjuna Institute of Exact Methods| date =2008| access-date =5 August 2012| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120324221525/http://www.niem.com.np/newararticles/unique_features.htm| archive-date =24 March 2012}}{{cite news|last=Lewis|first=Todd T.|title=Notes on the Uray and the Modernization of Newar Buddhism|url=http://www.thlib.org/static/reprints/contributions/CNAS_23_01_08.pdf|access-date=5 August 2012|newspaper=Contributions to Nepalese Studies|date=January 1996}} Page 111. The practice of observing the sacred month is descended from the rains retreat dating from the Buddha's time when monks are to stay in one place and taught the Dhamma to the locals during this period.LeVine, Sarah and Gellner, David N. (2005) Rebuilding Buddhism: The Theravada Movement in Twentieth-Century Nepal. Harvard University Press. {{ISBN|978-0-674-01908-9}}. Page 64. Retrieved 5 August 2012.{{cite web | last = Lewis| first = Todd T.| url = https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:JAPb_sAK2UUJ:archiv.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/ojs/index.php/jiabs/article/download/8816/2723+&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESh9r3oBIyPmcAJBn1hacu0AnNvM6afGBlNAfuPm7tNLRceDLGzir-JXClg6UJsf6DE7aWRvAbgUdBNIeuwX_kLpb7cpsnT4eSZuBQg6O81zm6mLSbFeAnSo16RtH4LHPVXF58kU&sig=AHIEtbTBvE6656upPxJB5L1Yl_GwQum0hQ |title = Contributions to the Study of Popular Buddhism: The Newar Buddhist Festival of Gumla Dharma | work =Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies | date=Winter 1993| access-date =19 February 2013}} Page 323.
According to traditional beliefs, during primitive times, too much rain would fall. Due to this rain, the mud houses during the time would get devastated, moreover floods and landslides would add melancholy in people's lives. So, in order to downturn the melancholy, and be safe from floods and landslides, people would go to Swayambhu playing the devotional music as it was in an elevation.Gurju. Ashok Bajracharya, Swayambhu
Observances
Devotees mark the holy month by making daily early morning pilgrimages to Swayambhu in Kathmandu and other Buddhist temples playing Gunla Bajan music. The musical bands represent various localities of the city.
The devout recite the scriptures at home and sacred courtyards. Some undergo fasting. Another devotional activity during Gunla is Dyah Thāyegu (द्यः थायेगु) when devotees make little stupas out of black clay using a mold.{{cite web | last = Lewis| first = Todd T.| url = https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:JAPb_sAK2UUJ:archiv.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/ojs/index.php/jiabs/article/download/8816/2723+&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESh9r3oBIyPmcAJBn1hacu0AnNvM6afGBlNAfuPm7tNLRceDLGzir-JXClg6UJsf6DE7aWRvAbgUdBNIeuwX_kLpb7cpsnT4eSZuBQg6O81zm6mLSbFeAnSo16RtH4LHPVXF58kU&sig=AHIEtbTBvE6656upPxJB5L1Yl_GwQum0hQ |title = Contributions to the Study of Popular Buddhism: The Newar Buddhist Festival of Gumla Dharma | work =Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies | date=Winter 1993| access-date =19 February 2013}} Page 333.
Major days
=Panjarān=
Panjaran (पन्जरां) is the alms giving festival. Males of the Bajracharya and Shakya castes make an alms round of the city and devotees give them rice and money. Shrines are set up with Buddha statues and paubha scroll paintings at private homes, courtyards and on the roadsides from where the gifts are distributed. The event is held on different dates in Kathmandu valley and Lalitpur.{{cite journal |last=Lewis |first=Todd T. |date=Winter 1993 |title=Contributions to the Study of Popular Buddhism: The Newar Buddhist Festival of Gumla Dharma |url=https://journals.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/index.php/jiabs/article/viewFile/8816/2723 |journal=Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies |volume=16 |issue=2 |pages=336–339 |access-date=8 August 2014}}
=Buddha display=
On the first day of the second fortnight of Gunla, large images of the Dipankara Buddha and paubha paintings are put on display in sacred courtyards. The ceremony is known as Bahidyah Bwayegu (बहीद्यः ब्वयेगु).{{cite web | last = Lewis| first = Todd T.| url = https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:JAPb_sAK2UUJ:archiv.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/ojs/index.php/jiabs/article/download/8816/2723+&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESh9r3oBIyPmcAJBn1hacu0AnNvM6afGBlNAfuPm7tNLRceDLGzir-JXClg6UJsf6DE7aWRvAbgUdBNIeuwX_kLpb7cpsnT4eSZuBQg6O81zm6mLSbFeAnSo16RtH4LHPVXF58kU&sig=AHIEtbTBvE6656upPxJB5L1Yl_GwQum0hQ |title = Contributions to the Study of Popular Buddhism: The Newar Buddhist Festival of Gumla Dharma | work =Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies | date=Winter 1993| access-date =19 February 2013}} Page 335.{{cite news |last= Tuladhar |first=Alok |date=25 October 2013 |title= Bahi Dyo: The Outbound Courtyard Deity |url= http://ecs.com.np/features/bahi-dyo-the-outbound-courtyard-deity |newspaper= ECS Nepal |access-date=12 August 2014}}
On this day in a festival known as Bahidyah Swahwanegu (बहीद्यः स्वःवनेगु), the musical bands followed by residents of the locality visit the sacred courtyards in a procession to view the exhibits. The festival occurs on the day after the full moon and coincides with the Gai Jatra festival.{{cite journal |last=Lewis |first=Todd T. |date=Winter 1993 |title=Contributions to the Study of Popular Buddhism: The Newar Buddhist Festival of Gumla Dharma |url=https://journals.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/index.php/jiabs/article/viewFile/8816/2723 |journal=Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies |volume=16 |issue=2 |pages=335–341 |access-date=8 August 2014}}
Another major day for Gunla Bajan societies is the ceremony of Nisala Chhawanegu (निसला छाःवनेगु) when they make offerings to Swayambhu, and hold Gunla Bajan concerts at one's neighborhoods.{{cite journal |last=Lewis |first=Todd T. |date=Winter 1993 |title=Contributions to the Study of Popular Buddhism: The Newar Buddhist Festival of Gumla Dharma |url=https://journals.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/index.php/jiabs/article/viewFile/8816/2723 |journal=Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies |volume=16 |issue=2 |pages=335–341 |access-date=8 August 2014}}
= Bwo-gi=
Also on the first day of Gunla in Lalitpur, the sacred early morning rally "Bwo-gi" begins usually from 1:30 in the morning and walked around the Buddhist templese and stupas until the sunrise. Generally it is believed to be stopped or paused for that day before the sunrise so that devotees wont step even the shadow of stupa (chaitya) or Buddha image. Like wise it takes normally four days to complete but take a day more if needed. The four stupas surrounding Lalitpur namely Lagankhya Thur in Lagankhel, Pucha Thur in Pulchowk, Bagmati Thur in Banglamukhi and Teta Thur in Gwarko are visited turn by turn in four days. The rally is accompanied by four types of musical bands namely Dha, Khin, Damokhin and Dhime Baja in a row. Each stupa is visited in a day thereby going to sub-stupas and temples visiting many Mahabihars and Bahals (chwoks or sacred courtyards). Devotees offer different types of offerings including chocolates, coins, camphor, etc. while going around the walk. About 400 - 500 participants participate in this holy walk out of which some are the family and relatives of recent descendants.
This year (2024 | 2081)'s Organizing Committee/Tole: [https://m.facebook.com/100077701754985/ Chhyetra No. 1 Nakabahil]
=Matayā=
Matayā (मतया:) (meaning "light procession" in Nepal Bhasa) is one of the most important religious celebrations in Lalitpur visiting all the stupas visited in Baghi all in a day. The festival celebrates the event when the Buddha overcame Mara, or temptation, and attained the light of wisdom.{{cite web | last = Shakya| first = Min Bahadur| url = https://www.scribd.com/doc/83264998/Mataya-Festival-of-Patan |title = Mataya Festival of Patan | work =Yalamandu Post | date=3 August 2012| access-date =17 July 2013}}
Devotees visit Buddhist shrines and sacred courtyards in the city in a winding file and offer worship to the images. The participants also consist of musical bands and actors dressed in colorful costumes. The circuitous festival route takes the whole day to complete.{{cite web | last = Lewis| first = Todd T.| url = https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:JAPb_sAK2UUJ:archiv.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/ojs/index.php/jiabs/article/download/8816/2723+&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESh9r3oBIyPmcAJBn1hacu0AnNvM6afGBlNAfuPm7tNLRceDLGzir-JXClg6UJsf6DE7aWRvAbgUdBNIeuwX_kLpb7cpsnT4eSZuBQg6O81zm6mLSbFeAnSo16RtH4LHPVXF58kU&sig=AHIEtbTBvE6656upPxJB5L1Yl_GwQum0hQ |title = Contributions to the Study of Popular Buddhism: The Newar Buddhist Festival of Gumla Dharma | work =Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies | date=Winter 1993| access-date =10 July 2013}} Page 317.
This year (2024 | 2081)'s Organizing Committee/Tole: [https://m.facebook.com/100077701754985/ Chhyetra No. 1 Nakabahil]
Other celebrations
The 5th day of the bright fortnight is Nag Panchami, a day dedicated to serpents. The 1st day of the dark fortnight is Sāpāru or Gai Jātrā when processions are held in memory of family members deceased in the past year. The participants wear cow costumes and make a tour of the city.
The 8th day of the dark fortnight is the festival of Krishna Janmashtami which celebrates the birth of the Hindu deity Krishna. Gokarna Aunsi falls on the 15th day of the dark fortnight or Āmāi. This is Father's Day and is also known as Bauyā Khwā Swayegu ("Looking upon Father's Face").{{cite book |last= Levy |first= Robert Isaac |date=1990 |title= Mesocosm: Hinduism and the Organization of a Traditional Newar City in Nepal|chapter=A Catalogue of Annual Events and Their Distribution throughout the Lunar Year |publisher= University of California Press |page=653 |isbn=9780520069114}}
Days in the month
| class="wikitable" |
| Thwa (थ्व) or Shukla Paksha (bright half) ! Gā (गा) or Krishna Paksha |
|---|
| 1. Pāru
| 1. Pāru |
| 2. Dwitiyā
| 2. Dwitiyā |
| 3. Tritiyā
| 3. Tritiyā |
| 4. Chauthi
| 4. Chauthi |
| 5. Panchami
| 5. |
| 6. Khasti
| 6. Khasti |
| 7. Saptami
| 7. Saptami |
| 8. Ashtami
| 8. Ashtami |
| 9. Navami
| 9. Navami |
| 10. Dashami
| 10. Dashami |
| 11. Ekādashi
| 11. Ekādashi |
| 12. Dwādashi
| 12. Dwādashi |
| 13. Trayodashi
| 13. Trayodashi |
| 14. Chaturdashi
| 14. Charhe (चह्रे) |
| 15. Punhi (पुन्हि)
| 15. Āmāi (आमाइ) |
Months of the year
| class="wikitable" align=center |
| Devanagari script
! Roman script ! Corresponding Gregorian month ! Name of Full Moon |
|---|
| 1. कछला
|November |Saki Milā Punhi, Kārtik Purnimā |
| 2. थिंला
|December |Yomari Punhi, Dhānya Purnimā |
| 3. पोहेला
|January |Milā Punhi, Paush Purnimā |
| 4. सिल्ला
|February |Si Punhi, Māghi Purnimā |
| 5. चिल्ला
|March |Holi Punhi, Phāgu Purnimā |
| 6. चौला
|April |Lhuti Punhi, Bālāju Purnimā |
| 7. बछला
|May |Swānyā Punhi, Baisākh Purnimā |
| 8. तछला
|June |Jyā Punhi, Gaidu Purnimā |
| 9. दिल्ला
|July |Dillā Punhi, Guru Purnimā |
| 10. गुंला
|Gunlā |August |Gun Punhi, Janāi Purnimā (Raksha Bandhan) |
| 11. ञला
|September |Yenyā Punhi, Bhādra Purnimā |
| 12. कौला
|October |Katin Punhi, Kojāgrat Purnimā |