The Embassy of Nepal in Colombo celebrated the 213th Bhanu Jayanti on 29 Ashadh 2083 with a special programme honouring Nepal’s Adikavi (first poet), Bhanubhakta Acharya, while underscoring the enduring cultural and historical ties between Nepal and Sri Lanka.
The Bhanu Jayanti brought together members of the Nepali community residing in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, representatives of Nepal–Sri Lanka friendship organizations, diplomats, and distinguished guests to commemorate the life and literary contributions of the legendary poet.
Addressing the gathering, Chargé d’Affaires Vijay Kumar Raut emphasized that Bhanubhakta Acharya’s literary legacy continues to serve as a bridge connecting Nepal and Sri Lanka through shared cultural and civilizational values. He highlighted that the poet’s contribution extends beyond literature, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
The celebration of Bhanu Jayanti was attended by the Presidents of the Nepal-Sri Lanka Friendship Association, the Sri Lanka-Nepal Buddhist Association, and the Sri Lanka-Nepal Business Council, along with fellow diplomats, community leaders, and members of the Nepali diaspora.
‘Ghaasi’ Poem Remains a Timeless Source of Inspiration in Bhanu Jayanti Celebration
A key focus of the programme was Bhanubhakta Acharya’s celebrated poem “Ghaasi” (The Grass-Cutter), regarded as one of the finest examples of social consciousness in Nepali literature. The poem recounts the story of a humble grass-cutter whose selfless ambition to construct a public well for the benefit of society profoundly influenced Bhanubhakta. Despite possessing limited means, the grass-cutter’s determination to leave behind a meaningful contribution inspired the poet to reflect on his own legacy.
Motivated by this encounter, Bhanubhakta translated the Ramayana from Sanskrit into simple and accessible Nepali, making one of the world’s greatest epics available to ordinary people. His translation played a transformative role in promoting the Nepali language and fostering cultural unity among communities across Nepal’s mountains, hills, and plains.
Ramayana Strengthens Nepal–Sri Lanka Cultural Connection
Speakers at the event noted that celebrating Bhanu Jayanti in Colombo carries special significance because the Ramayana itself represents a timeless cultural and spiritual link between Nepal and Sri Lanka.
By honouring the poet who introduced the epic to the masses in the Nepali language, the programme also celebrated the centuries-old historical, religious, and civilizational connections shared by the two countries. The Embassy stated that such cultural initiatives continue to strengthen people-to-people ties, promote mutual appreciation of shared heritage, and reinforce the longstanding friendship between Nepal and Sri Lanka.
