Every year during Gunlā, the sacred ninth month of the Nepal Sambat, the Newar Buddhist calendar (coinciding with July-August–September), the cities of Patan (Lalitpur) on Shrawan Shukla Ashtami, the eighth day of the bright fortnight of the month and Bhaktapur on Bhadra Krishna Trayodashi, the 13th day of the dark fortnight come alive with a striking sight—processions of towering gilded statues of Dipankara Buddha, carried through ancient streets by devoted followers. This ritual is at the heart of Pañchadān or Panjara (literally, “the gift of five”), a tradition that celebrates generosity, merit, and community.

What is Panjara or Panchadaan?

Panjara or Panchadaan (पन्जराँ / पञ्चदान) is the offering of five staple grains—unhusked and polished rice, lentil seeds, wheat, and salt to the begging monks. This day of charity and benevolence is celebrated in Patan, Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, Thimi, Banepa, and Kirtipur. 

In Patan, Women with large baskets of five offerings offer monks who pass by begging alms with a handful of Panchadaan. In return, these monks touch those donors’ heads with sacred books to bestow blessings upon them.

In Bhaktapur, the “Five Dipankar Buddhas” enthroned at Prashanshill Mahavihar, Jhorbahl, Chatubramha Mahavihar, Jayakriti Vihar and Kuthubhi come together at Adipadma Maha Vihar in Suryamadhi Tole of Bhaktapur for a special puja to commemorate the “Pancha Daan” ritual during the holy Newar Month Gunla. The Five Dipankar Buddhas then walk through all the 10 wards of Bhaktapur, giving an audience to the devotees who, in reverence, offer “Pancha Daan” to the Buddhas. The traditional musical ensembles like Gunla Baja, Dafa Bhajan, Shringabheri Baja, etc accompany Dipankars on their Yatra (journey) which boisterously ends at Taumadhi Square. The Puja and Panchadaan go on until late in the evening.

It is believed that, on this day, Prince Siddhartha left his royal life behind to commence his ascetic life, after which he gained enlightenment and was called the Buddha. It is the day to honor the Buddhist priestly caste in remembrance of the time when they lived solely and honorably from the alms of their devotees.

Legend of Panchadaan

According to a legend, the Pancha Daan ritual began when Dipankara arrived in Patan as a mendicant and graciously accepted alms from a couple living in Guit Bihar and refused the mega-donations from the Patan King. To please the mendicant, the King then laboriously worked as a goldsmith, earned his wage, and offered it to Dipankar, which he accepted with much gratitude. Since then, this act of selfless giving has come into practice in honor of Dipankar.

Who is Dipankara Buddha?

Dipankara is a legendary Buddha of the past, believed to have attained enlightenment long before Gautama Buddha. In Newar Buddhism, he holds special reverence as the protector of alms-givers and the harbinger of good karma. His imagery—calm, walking forward, eyes cast downward in compassion—is often seen in Patan and Bhaktapur, especially during Gunlā.

According to lore, Dipankara foretold the enlightenment of Gautama Buddha in a previous life—an event symbolizing the continuum of wisdom across time.