Nepali Embassy in Bangkok Celebrates 212th Bhanu Jayanti with Poetry and Cultural Program

Kathmandu: On the occasion of the 212th Bhanu Jayanti, the Nepali Embassy in Bangkok, in collaboration with various Nepali social organizations active in Thailand, organized the second Bhanu Jayanti celebration. The event featured poetry recitations, a children’s poetry competition, and a Ramayana reading, attracting over 150 attendees, including Nepali community representatives from across Thailand, organization leaders, parents, writers, and children.

Dhan Bahadur Oli, Ambassador of Nepal to Thailand, inaugurated the program by lighting a traditional lamp and garlanding the portrait of Bhanubhakta Acharya. Distinguished guests also jointly paid tribute to the revered poet.

Deputy Chief of Mission and program coordinator, Moti Bahadur Shreesh, welcomed the audience with remarks honoring Bhanubhakta Acharya as a devoted figure in Nepali language, literature, and culture. He emphasized that Bhanu Jayanti is not just a literary celebration but a tribute to Nepali civilization and identity.

To begin the performances, children Bina Bhusal and Sonu Chaulagain presented the poetic dialogue Ghāsi Sambad, followed by a group recitation of the Ramayana by Raj Poudel, Phul Prasad Ojha, and Roshni Khanal, highlighting Bhanubhakta’s life and poetic contributions from a youthful perspective.

The poetry competition was divided into two age categories. In the 13–18 age group, Pinky Tamang secured first place, followed by Mina Pokharel (second) and Rina Timsina (third). In the under-12 category, Rayana Dhakal won first prize, Ashok Pokharel second, and Sayana Dhakal third. Winners received cash prizes of 3,000, 2,000, and 1,000 Thai Baht respectively, while all participants received certificates, children’s literature books, and a copy of Bhanubhakta’s Ramayana.

The competition was judged by Prof. Dr. Rajendra Shrestha, writer Bharati Limbuni, and poet Ashok Ghimire, who evaluated the poems based on content, originality, linguistic style, performance, and rhythm.

In addition to the competition, 29 non-competitive poems were recited by poets and literary enthusiasts from Nepal and Thailand. Among the participants were Bharati Limbuni, Prakash Gyawali, Asha Pun, Megha Chand, Bhim Bahadur Rana, Rocket Karki, Tina Shrestha, Nila Khanal, Nirmal Kharal, Manju Neupane, Tilak Pokharel, Ambassador Oli himself, and Maila Acharya.