Kathmandu, Oct. 4 -- Thousands of delegates, party leaders, activists and supporters of the Nepali Congress headed towards Kathmandu's Khula Manch on Sunday for the opening of the party's 15th general convention, its first major national gathering under President Gagan Thapa.

The opening ceremony is scheduled to begin at 2pm at Khula Manch, an open ground in the heart of the Capital. The convention is expected to draw more than 7,700 elected delegates from across the country, with large numbers already moving from hotels and other accommodations in areas including Gaushala, Koteshwar, Lazimpat, Thamel, Balaju, New Bus Park, Sundhara and Kalanki.

The Congress has arranged parking at the underground facility at Dharahara, the old Bus Park...