HT Correspondent
Haflong, July 13: The 209th Bhanu Jayanti, the birthday of the Nepali pioneer Bhanubhakta Acharya, was celebrated with great zeal by the Bhanu Jayanti Celebration Committee (BJCC) in Dima Hasao. The event saw the presence of Debolal Gorlosa, chief executive member (CEM) for Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, as the chief guest, along with Donphainon Thaosen, president of BJP Dima Hasao district, Ishory Prasad Joishi, Member of Autonomous Council (MAC) Dima Hasao, and other dignitaries.
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The day began with the garlanding of Bhanubhakta Acharya’s statue at Bhanu Chowk in Upper Bagetar, Haflong, followed by a rally from Bagetar to the District Library Auditorium Hall to mark the occasion.
During his address, CEM Debolal Gorlosa praised Bhanubhakta Acharya not only for his literary contributions but also for his role in unifying the Gorkha community. He said that Acharya’s life and work serve as an inspiration for all. On this special day, CEM Gorlosa discussed various issues faced by the Gorkha community, including the introduction of Gorkha language instruction (MIL) at the primary school level in Dima Hasao, and the need for Gorkha language teachers in the future. He expressed his joy and gratitude for being a part of the momentous birth anniversary celebration of the renowned Nepali poet.
The occasion included a function where floral tributes were paid to Bhanubhakta Acharya’s portrait, followed by a discussion on his works and contributions. The event saw the participation of senior citizens, a large number of Nepali people, and individuals from different parts of Haflong and other places.
It is worth mentioning that Nepali people commemorate July 13 every year as ‘Bhanu Jayanti’ in remembrance of Bhanubhakta Acharya, born on Ashar 29, 1814, in Tanahu, Nepal. Known as ‘Nepal ka Adikavi’ (the first poet of Nepal), Bhanubhakta Acharya translated the great epic Ramayana from Sanskrit to Nepali, using a simplified language that made it accessible for the common man to learn and understand the epic easily. His contributions continue to inspire and resonate with people to this day.
Our Biswanath Chariali correspondent adds: The 209th birth anniversary of Nepali Adikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya, known as Bhanu Jayanti, was observed with great enthusiasm in different parts of the greater Biswanath area. The Biswanath district committee of Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha (ANSS) and its branches organised special events to mark the occasion.
At the Radha Krishna Pranami Temple premises located in Panibharal, Biswanath Chariali, the Biswanath district committee of ANSS in association with the local branch organised a special day. Similarly, the Kauripothar branch also celebrated Bhanu Jayanti with enthusiasm. The Dakhin Nagsankar branch of ANSS arranged a day-long program in the conference hall of Dakhin Nagsankar Higher Secondary School, with Churamoni Dulal, the president of the literary body, presiding over the event. Prior to the open session, Purna Kumar Sarma, a recipient of the translation prize of Sahitya Akademi, planted a sapling. The open session commenced with the lighting of earthen lamps in front of the portrait of Bhanubhakta Acharya, followed by floral tributes. A narration of the Ramayana translated by the Adikavi was presented by Binita Devi, followed by a chorus. Eighteen invited poets shared their self-composed poems, and Anup Sarma, an emerging poet, delivered a speech highlighting the life and literary contributions of the legendary poet. Risiraj Sarma, the secretary of the branch, expressed gratitude in a vote of thanks. The program also featured cultural activities performed by children and invited artists. Similar celebrations took place in the Dipatola branch, Jamugurihat regional committee, Panpur branch committee, and Uttar Jamuguri branch of ANSS, each organising events to honour the poet.
The day-long programs included flag hoisting, ceremonial lamp lighting, floral tributes, and recitations of self-composed poems by poets. Various respected individuals, including artiste pensioner Chakrapani Sarma, shared their thoughts and insights during the open sessions. The events were conducted with great fervour and were attended by members of the literary community and local residents.
