Lalitpur, Aug. 1 -- Nepal's ancient city of Patan in Lalitpur on Friday observed Yala Panchadan, the festival of five summer gifts. The former royal kingdom that falls inside the Kathmandu valley in Newa is known as "Yala".

Barefooted monks walked around the ancient town receiving alms and chanting hymns and prayers. This festival is celebrated by Bajrayana Buddhists, especially Shakyas and Bajracharyas, from the Newar community of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Panauti and Banepa.

"In Yala Panchadan, we donate five items- wheat, rice, money, salt, and fruit as alms. In Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, the alms are provided to the topmost monks as well. This tradition of taking out Dipankar Buddha at various Vihar locations in Patan, where the...