Following the arrival of the monsoons and the planting season in the fields, Bhuddists in the Kathmandu Valley observe the Gunla festival. The month long event celebrates a 'rains retreat' initiated 25 centuries ago by the Buddha.

Gunla is a time for prayer, fasting, meditation and religious music. Worshippers climb past jungles, stone animals, great statues of Buddha and begging monkeys to the hilltop at Swayambhu where daily prayers begin before dawn. Oil lamps, prayer flags, religious statues and paintings adorn the monasteries whilst temple bells chime and powerful incense fills the air. Important statues are put on display and the teachings of Lord Buddha are remembered as the rains feed the rice crop.