Nepal observes 205th anniversary of first Nepali poet

Nepal today observed the 205th birth anniversary of the first poet of Nepali language Aadikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya, who had translated the epic, Valmiki's Ramayan, in the local dialect about 150 years ago.

Speaking at a function organised on the occasion of 'Bhanu Jayanti', Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli asked the new generation to follow the ideals of the pioneer poet and national luminary.

Bhanubhakta's 'Ramayan' is known as the first major literary work in Nepali, the country's national language.

Oli said that the poet had contributed much to unite linguistic and cultural diversity of the country through the Nepali language.

Earlier, a procession was held on the occasion in which people from all walks of life took part and paid their tribute to Bhanubhakta.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Ishwar Pokhrel also released a book on the poet 'Sanskritik Asmitaka Prateek: Tulasi Das ra Bhanubkahta' (Symbol of Cultural Dignity: Tulasi Das and Bhanubhakta), during the programme.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari also praised Bhanubhakta for his contribution in making Nepali language popular through his literary creations.

Bhanu Pratisthan chair Brataraj Acharya underlined the need to develop Tanahu, the birth place of Bhanubhakta, as a place of literary pilgrimage.