195th Birth Anniversary of Bhanu Bhakta celebrated

FROM NEPAL NEWS The nation marked the 195th Bhanu Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Aadikavi (first poet) Bhanu Bhakta Acharya by acknowledging the immense contribution he has made to Nepali language and literature.

The literary community, scholars, students, linguists and his admirers alike remembered the great bard by organizing various programmes in his honor. Like in previous years, life-size statues of the late poet were unveiled and garlands and flowers were put on it in various parts of the country. Similarly, like every year, Aadikavi Bhanu Bhakta Foundation put flowers and garlanded the statue of Bhanubhakta in front of Ranipokhari today by organising a ceremony in his memory. The foundation also awarded Adikavi Bhanubhakta Award to noted educationist Angur Baba Joshi for her contribution to Nepal’s education sector. Schools across the country also celebrate this day by organizing poetry contest among the students and giving away prizes for academic excellence. Born in Chudiramgha, Tanahun district some two centuries ago, Aadikavi, Bhanubhakta Acharya was the first to translate the epic Ramayana from Sanskrit to generally understood Nepali language, thus hugely contributing to building the foundation of Nepali literature through many of his epics and poems. He is revered not only in Nepal but also beyond the national frontiers in Darjeeling, Sikkim, Deheradun where there is a significant Nepali presence. Bhanu Jayanti is celebrated with much fanfare and enthusiasm especially in Darjeeling where the poet is considered the epitome of Nepali language and culture.