In celebration of the 211th birth anniversary of the esteemed National Poet Bhanubhakta Acharya, his birthplace in Bhanu Municipality, Tanahun, will host a series of events including an open poetry competition, a school-level poetry competition, and a Ramayana recitation contest.
The Bhanubhakta Birthplace Development Committee has organized these events to take place on Ashadh 28 at Bhanu Municipality-4, Chundiramgha. Interested participants are required to submit their poems to the committee’s office or via email by Ashadh 26, as informed by the Executive Director of the Development Committee, Shankar Ranabhat.
The open poetry competition offers a cash prize of NPR 10,000 for the first-place winner, NPR 7,000 for the second place, NPR 5,000 for the third place, and NPR 1,500 each for two consolation prizes.
In the school-level poetry competition, the first-place winner will receive NPR 5,000, the second-place winner NPR 3,000, the third-place winner NPR 1,000, and NPR 500 each for two consolation prizes.
The Ramayana recitation competition will also reward participants with NPR 5,000 for the first place, NPR 3,000 for the second place, NPR 1,000 for the third place, and NPR 500 each for two consolation prizes.
The celebrations will commence on Ashadh 27 with worship ceremonies at local temples. On Ashadh 28, the open poetry, school-level poetry, and Ramayana recitation competitions will be held. The events will culminate on Ashadh 29 with a morning procession from the committee’s office to Bhanubhakta’s statue in Ramgha, followed by various displays, a poetry symposium, literary programs, and cultural performances starting at 11 AM in Chundiramgha.
Bhanubhakta Acharya, born on Ashadh 29, 1871 BS in Bhanu Municipality-4, Chundiramgha, is a revered figure in Nepali literature, known for translating the Balmiki Ramayana into Nepali. He passed away on Ashwin 6, 1925 BS. Bhanubhakta is celebrated for his significant contributions to early Nepali literature, with works including “Prashnottar,” “Bhaktamala,” and “Badhushiksha.” Motiram Bhatta, who first bestowed upon him the title of Adikavi (First Poet) of the Nepali language, collected and published Bhanubhakta’s manuscripts, ensuring his legacy in Nepali literary history.
