Bhanu Jayanti (Nepali: भानु जयन्ती) is an observance annually celebrated on the 29th day of the Nepali month of Ashadha (13 July) to commemorate Nepali writer Bhanubhakta Acharya (1814– 1868) who translated the epic Ramayana from Sanskrit to Nepali for the first time. During the observance, many people add a garland to statues of Bhanubhakta, participate in the parades, and remember his contribution to the Nepali language.[1]

Bhanu Jayanti
Observed byNepal and India
TypePatriotic
SignificanceCommemorates the Nepali-language writer Bhanubhakta Acharya
Date13 July
FrequencyAnnual

History

edit

Bhanubhakta Acharya was born on 13 July 1814 (29 Ashadh 1871 BS) in the village of Chundi Ramgha, Tanahun District, Nepal.[2] Acharya set out to translate the Valmiki Ramayana in the Nepali language, which is widely considered to be the first Nepali epic.[3] Due to this, the author, Bhanubhakta Acharya is known as Adikavi (first poet) in Nepal.[4]

Celebrations

edit

During Bhanu Jayanti, high officials including the President of Nepal, and the Prime Minister of Nepal remember Acharya's contribution to the Nepali language.[5][6] The people who participate in the parades, chant slogans praising Bhanubhakta.[7] The statues of Bhanubhakta throughout Nepal and India are garlanded.[8]

Bhanu Puraskar

edit

During the occasion of Bhanu Jayanti, the Nepali Sahitya Parishad Sikkim, gives out prestigious award named after Bhanubhakta.[9]

References

edit
  1. ^ Chakravarty, Tanuj (12 July 2022). "Bhanu Jayanti: History and its significance for Gorkha community". EastMojo. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
  2. ^ "Bhanu Bhakta Acharya: 5 reasons why a poet became a household name in Nepal". OnlineKhabar. 13 July 2021. Archived from the original on 13 July 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
  3. ^ "English translation of Bhanubhakta's 'Ramayana' released". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 27 June 2016 – via Business Standard.
  4. ^ "Bhanu Jayanti 2022: Date, history and significance of the day". Hindustan Times. 10 July 2022. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
  5. ^ Samiti, Rastriya Samachar (13 July 2022). "Bhanu Jayanti, Guru Purnima being observed today". The Himalayan Times. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
  6. ^ Adhikari, Priyanka (13 July 2018). "PM Oli urges new generation to follow ideals of Bhanubhakta". The Himalayan Times. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
  7. ^ Adhikari, Priyanka (13 July 2018). "Morning procession held to mark 205th Bhanu Jayanti". The Himalayan Times. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
  8. ^ Dhungel, Pankaj (12 July 2022). "Ahead of Bhanu Jayanti, Sikkim unveils life-size statue of Nepali poet". EastMojo. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
  9. ^ "KN Sharma announced as Bhanu Puraskar 2022 awardee; Seva Shree honours for nine achievers". Sikkimexpress. Retrieved 20 March 2023.