Nepal observes Bhanu Jayanti 2025: marks 212th birth anniversary

Nepal is celebrating the 212th birth anniversary of Bhanubhakta Acharya today with various programs across the country and abroad.

Bhanubhakta is remembered as the first poet (Aadikavi) of Nepali literature. He translated the life story of Lord Ram, originally written in Sanskrit, into Nepali in a poetic and emotional way as the Ramayan. His version of the Ramayan is still read aloud in homes across Nepal.

While King Prithvi Narayan Shah united Nepal geographically, Bhanubhakta helped unite the country through language, literature, and culture. He was born on Asar 29, 1871 BS in Chundiramgha village of Tanahun district. It is said that he was inspired to write in Nepali after a grasscutter (ghansi) told him that one should do good deeds in life to be remembered.

Another famous work of Bhanubhakta is Badhushiksha. He also wrote Prashnottar, Bhaktamala, Ram Gita, and other smaller poems. During his life, he was once jailed for not being able to clear accounts in Kumari Chowk. From there, he strongly criticized the delays and laziness in government offices through poetry. One of his popular lines says:
“Bhollibholli bhandai sab ghar bitigo, bakshiyos aaja jholi”
(“Everything got ruined waiting for tomorrow, forgive me today”).

Bhanubhakta played an important role in promoting national identity, unity, and Nepali cultural awareness. Critics say that since he was a historical figure, all Nepalis should honor him. They also believe more discussions and reviews of his ideas are needed today.

Many thesis papers have been written about him in postgraduate studies at Tribhuvan University. On this occasion, a morning rally and flower garland ceremony were held at his statue near Rani Pokhari in Kathmandu.

In many homes, people mark Bhanu Jayanti by reciting his Ramayan. Institutions working in the field of language, literature, and culture are also organizing special programs today.

Some argue that Bhanubhakta should not be called “Aadikavi” since there were poets who wrote in Nepali before him. However, Gyananishtha Gyawali, an assistant professor at Tribhuvan University who studies Bhanubhakta, says it is fair to call him Aadikavi because he translated a major scripture like the Ramayan into Nepali with local rhythm, helping strengthen linguistic unity. His work is seen as the start of a new era in Nepali literature.

Bhanubhakta passed away in Ashoj, 1925 BS. His birth anniversary is also celebrated in other regions with large Nepali-speaking communities such as Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bhutan, and Myanmar.