Bhanu Jayanti celebrated in Sikkim

On July 13, 2020, the state of Sikkim celebrated 206^th Banu Jayanti. Bhanu Jayanti is celebrated in the state to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bhanubhakta Acharya Adikavi (1814-1868).

Highlights

Bhanu Jayanti falls on the 29^th day of month of Ashad in Nepali calendar. The day is celebrated by Government of Nepal as well.

Bhanubhakta Acharya

Bhanubhakta Acharya was a Nepali poet, writer and translator. He translated epic Ramayana from Sanskrit into Nepali.

He was revered with the title “Adikavi” (the first poet) of Nepali language.

Significance

South Asian languages including Nepali language was mostly limited to oral medium. The other literary texts were predominantly in Sanskrit. The brahmins were the only caste that had access to the text. Therefore, Acharya’s contributions during his era in Nepali language was highly significant.

Works of Bhanubhakta Acharya

During his life time, he wrote two master pieces. They were Bhanubhaktey Ramayan and a letter he wrote to the Prime Minister when he was in prison. He wrote a petition to the PM demanding for his release from prison as his health was deteriorating and his case was not even heard. He won his freedom from the prison with the poem. Apart from freedom, he was also awarded with a bag of money.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2020