SHILLONG/TURA, July 13: The 211th birth anniversary of Adikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya was commemorated with enthusiasm and cultural gaiety in Shillong and Tura on Sunday.
The celebration in Shillong took place at the Babu Mani Singh Auditorium (Gorkha Pathshala Hr. Sec. School).
Cabinet Minister AL Hek was the chief guest, and the guest of honour was Assistant Director, IT, NEPA, Dr Arjun Chetry.
Various traditional and cultural programmes were the highlights of the event. Winners of various literary and dance competitions were also awarded at the function. Moreover, various meritorious students and PhD holders were also honoured.
In Tura, his birth anniversary was commemorated with grace and simplicity at Gorkha School, Tura. Though held on a modest scale due to the ongoing summer vacation, the event was thoughtfully organised to honour the legendary poet, who gifted the Nepali-speaking community a written version of the Ramayan in their native language.
The celebration began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by a brief recitation from the Ramayan. Floral tributes and the offering of ‘khadas’ were made at the statue of Bhanubhakta Acharya, symbolising deep respect and reverence.
The Headmaster of the school extended a warm welcome to the gathering and briefly spoke on the life and literary legacy of Adikavi Bhanubhakta, underlining his pivotal role in shaping Nepali literature and preserving cultural identity.
Though the turnout was modest, the essence and spirit of Bhanu Jayanti remained undiminished.
The school also took the opportunity to remember and appreciate the valuable contributions of its retired teachers.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of teachers, students, Managing Committee members, guests, and all who helped make the event meaningful and memorable.
Bhanubhakta Acharya wrote Ramayana in poetry form in Nepali, in what is widely dubbed as the first-ever translation of any Sanskrit literature into the Nepali language. He has also translated many other Sanskrit literary texts into Nepali.
Among his literary works are Kantipuri Nagari, Ek Man Chitta Lagai Chakari Garya, Khwamit Yas Giridhaari Le, Baalaaji Dekhyan, Ma Bhanubhakta, Roj Roj Darshan Paunchhu, Prashnottar Mala, Bhakta Maala and Ram Gita.
The Nepali poet was born on July 13, 1813 and later moved to Varanasi.
Bhanu Bhakta Acharya was honoured with the title ‘Aadikavi’ or first poet of Nepal because he was the first to write poems in the common Nepali language. After him, other writers also started writing literature in the Nepali language.
The Jayanti is celebrated by the people of Nepal, Darjeeling, Sikkim and various countries like Myanmar, and Bhutan. Bhanu Jayanti is annually held on the 29th day of the Nepali month of Ashadh.
