Kathmandu: The Swoyambhunath area, recognized as a World Heritage site, underwent extensive cleaning today in preparation for a month-long festival that begins Friday.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the cultural fair, primarily aimed at the Buddhist community, will commence on the first day of the bright fortnight in the Nepali month of Shrawan, as per the lunar calendar.
Swoyambhunath Mahasamiti Chair Vikshu Dharmamurti Mahashthabir reported that collected paper, plastic, and glass materials were sent for recycling, while biodegradable waste will be disposed of at a landfill site. The area designated for the yearly fair celebrations has also seen maintenance activities such as daubing and the repair of street lamps.
The fair attracts devotees who visit the Buddhist shrine to honor the festival, which falls in the ninth month of the Nepal Sambat calendar. Mahasamiti secretary Chandra Ratna Buddhacharya mentioned that worshipping at Swoyambhunath during the fair is believed to offer one’s ancestors ‘heavenly’ experiences. Devotees from the Kathmandu Valley and neighboring regions are expected to participate in the fair.