In recent years at Namo Buddha , and at Nagarjun,Boudhanath and Swayambu, worship and care of the stupa has been largely assumed by Tibetan devotees. Prayerwheels large and small are now found at these major shrines,along with the ubiquitous prayer flags fluttering above and around them,purifying the air. Full -length prostration around the Swayambhu Hill and around Boudhanath is performed only by the most devout, but circumambulation occupies layman and monk alike at dawn and dusk . The most popular offering to the stupas is of light in the form of butterlamps and candles, which turn night into day on auspicious phases of the moon and upon festivals such as the Buddha Sakyamuni's birthday. Prayer flags are also offered in abundance on these occasions. Superior religious merit may be gained by making an offering of whitewash to the stupa . At Boudhanath a special offfering is the saffron-dyed water that is skillfully thrown on the dome to create the illusion of a lotus flower.
Tibetan devotion is not the only cause of renewed focus upon Kathmandu Valley's monumental stupas.
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