Kathmandu: The Embassy of Nepal was deeply honored to host a vibrant celebration of the 213th Bhanu Jayanti, paying tribute to our Adikavi, the pioneering poet of Nepal, Bhanubhakta Acharya. Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) Mr. Vijay Kumar Raut highlighted the enduring cultural and civilizational bonds between Nepal and Sri Lanka, facilitated by the poet’s legacy and the efforts of bilateral associations.
The event brought together distinguished guests, including Nepali nationals living in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, the Presidents of the Nepal-Sri Lanka Friendship Association, Sri Lanka-Nepal Buddhist Association, and Sri Lanka-Nepal Business Council, alongside fellow diplomats and esteemed dignitaries.
Central to today’s reflection was Bhanubhakta’s legendary poem, “घाँसी” (Ghaasi). The poem narrates the story of a humble grass-cutter whose contentment, devotion, and desire to dig a public well despite his modest means left a profound, life-altering impact on the poet. Inspired by the grass-cutter’s selfless vision, Bhanubhakta resolved to leave his own lasting legacy. By translating the epic Ramayana from Sanskrit into simple, elegant, and accessible Nepali, he did not just democratize a sacred text—he knitted together the diverse people of our mountains, hills, and plains into a unified emotional and cultural fabric.
Celebrating this legacy in Colombo carries a unique and beautiful resonance. The story of the Ramayana is an eternal cultural bridge that naturally links the history, heritage, and hearts of Nepal and Sri Lanka. By honoring the poet who brought this epic to the common folk, we simultaneously celebrate the deep-rooted civilizational bonds that our two nations have shared for centuries.
