A two-day Kathmandu-Kalinga Literature Festival has commenced, aimed at promoting Nepali language, literature, and culture. The event, organized in collaboration with Yashaswi Academy, seeks to strengthen cultural ties and foster international literary exchanges.
During the inaugural ceremony, Bhupal Rai, Chancellor of the Nepal Academy, highlighted the importance of cultural and literary festivals in connecting the world. He emphasized the need for such events to be held annually, noting that global connectivity can be enhanced through cultural inter-linkages.
Prasanna Srivastava, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy, expressed that these festivals play a crucial role in fostering relations between Nepal and India. He underscored how thousands of Nepalis visit pilgrimage sites in India, while Indians frequently travel to Nepal to explore cultural heritage sites like Pashupatinath, Ramjanaki Temple, and Lumbini. Srivastava also mentioned that Nepali, Newari, and Maithili languages hold a significant place in world literature.
Prominent Nepali author Bhuwan Dhungana expressed that the festival serves as a platform for long-term cultural and literary collaboration between Nepal and India. Indian writer Laxmi Murdheshwar Puri acknowledged Nepali’s status as an official language in India and emphasized Nepal’s potential to become a cultural center, given its spiritual significance as “Shakti Bhumi.”
Ranjana Niraula, Chairperson of Yashaswi Academy, noted that the festival would help unite writers, readers, and artists from both nations. Approximately 300 participants from Nepal and India are attending the event, which includes various group discussions and cultural activities throughout the weekend.
