Bhanu Jayanti

Nepali writer Bhanu Acharya was born on July 13, 1814. He was the first person to translate the epic Ramayana written by Valmiki, from Sanskrit to Nepali. His work became the first Nepali epic to ever exist,  giving him the title of Adikavi, meaning the first poet. To commemorate him, we celebrate Bhanu Jayanti on July 13, or the 29th day of the Nepali month of Ashadha. 

Bhanu Acharya was born in a small village in Nepal called Chudi Ramgha, which lies in the Tanahun district. Apart from translating the Ramayana, Bhanu Acharya wrote several poems. Some of his most famous poems include Ghansi, Kantipuri Nagari, Ek Man Chitta Lagai Chakari Garya, Baalaaji Dekhyan and more. 

Bhanu Jayanti is celebrated with much grandeur and excitement in Nepal, Sikkim, Darjeeling, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Bhutan, Myanmar and other Nepali–speaking regions. On this day, people adorn Bhanu Acharya’s statues with garlands, recite his poems, take part in parades and remember his works. 

Every year on Bhanu Jayanti, the esteemed Bhanu Puraskar is given to deserving candidates by the Nepali Sahitya Parishad Sikkim which is the Nepali literary committee of Sikkim. This award is given to those who work towards preserving the Nepali culture and language.