English.Sahityapost
Pennsylvania, November 8
Triveni Sahitya Manch observed the 115th Birth anniversary of Mahakabi (Great poet) Laxmi Prasad Devkota at Laxminarayan Mandir in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on 5th of November, 2023.
Over 100 participants, dressed in their cultural attire, had attended the event to celebrate the birth anniversary of great poet Devkota. The event featured different poetry recitations and musical performances by the attendees who were the literary lovers and enthusiasts of Nepali language and literature.
Presided over by Mr. Prem Gimirey, the vice-chairman of Triveni Sahitya Manch, the event’s chief guest was Mr. Tilak Niraula, the President of the Bhutanese Community of Harrisburg, while the entire program was moderated by Mr. Keshav Bairagi, the chairman of the Manch.
To formalize the event, Chakrapani Swamiji, the chief abode of the Laxminarayan Temple, performed Mangalacharan (a benedictory verse of Hindu text believed to prepare the mind, spirit and heart of the participants for the completion of work without any obstacles).
Speaking in the event, social worker Mr. Abi Babu Adhikari addressed the gathering giving a brief introduction of Mahakabi Devkota.
“Devkota was born in 1909 in Kathmandu on the auspicious day of Laxmi Puja, the day when the goddess of wealth is worshipped in every Nepali household. As a result, his parents named him Laxmi Prasad, the blessing of Goddess Laxmi (goddess of wealth). Although Devkota was born into a poor family and lived poor throughout his life, he was blessed by Saraswati Mata (Mother Goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and learning). Besides the Nepali language, he also learned Sanskrit and English and authored several books on literacy and poems. He became Mahakabi (the great poet) of Nepal at a tender age and earned love, respect, and popularity among the people within and outside Nepal.” narrated Babu Adhikari to the audience.
In mean time, Kanchi Maya Dungel presented a melodious song, followed by an amazing and inspiring presentation by 10 little kids aged between 7 and 14. The whole audience applauded their enthusiastic presentations of Nepali and English poems and stories. In appreciation of their passionate participation and presentation, the organizer awarded gifts to the children, which were handed over to them by the Chair and the Chief Guest of the event.
Those kids were: Ayushma Rizal , Kripa Dahal , Suwarna Sharma, Nabya Sharma, Pranesh Adhikari , Prisha Adhikari, Nishol Mishra, Adhya Dahal, Namita Chimoriya, Shamik Ghimirey and Sahika Ghimirey.
The speakers and the audiences also appreciated the event organizer – Triveni Sahitya Manch, for taking the initiation to promote and practice the Nepali language, literature, and culture in the US.
The audiences were moved when Basuda Rizal, Suda Khatiwada, and Ms. Bhandari recited the verses from Devkota’s masterpiece Muna Madan . Likewise, Gandaki Putra’s presentation of Devkota’s Pagal (lunatic) poem was full of spirit and enthusiasm. Patalo Antarey, Laxmi Sitaula, Balkrishna Neopaney, Trivikram Neopaney, Phurba Lama Tamang, Hemish Khesang Rai, Madhu Ghimirey, Madan Pokharel and Prema Adhikari had their special poetry, gazal and musical presentation.
Before the conclusion of the event, Deushi Bailo (traditional folk songs sung during the Tihar festival) was played collectively reflecting Nepali tradition and culture in the foreign land. Mr. Prem Ghimirey, the event chair, concluded the event speaking the words of gratitude towards the individuals and organizations for their participation. He thanked the participants for showing such a great interest in promoting and practicing Nepali language, literature, and culture. He also informed the audience that Triveni Sahitya Manch has been able to obtain an Employment Identification Number (EIN) number and is now waiting to receive the 501 (c) (3) (Internal Revenue Tax-Exempt Code), which will allow the organization to function as a nonprofit organization that has been recognized by the IRS as being tax-exempt by virtue of its charitable programs. —
