When is Bhanu Jayanti?
Bhanu Jayanti is observed as a public holiday in the Indian state of Sikkim on July 13th each year.
It commemorates the birth anniversary of Adikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya
History of Bhanu Jayanti
Bhanu Bhakta may have been a Nepalese poet but he holds a place of special importance in the lives of Sikkimese people in part because the Nepalese language is lingua franca in the Sikkim-Darjeeling region.
July 13th marks the birth anniversary of Bhanu Bhakta who has been awarded the status of ‘Adhikavi’ or ‘First Poet’ in Sikkim.
Bhanu Bhakta is credited with the translation of Ramayana in simple Nepalese and his birth anniversary is celebrated with events such as poetry recitation competitions and literary seminars. Banks and most public institutions remain closed on the day in Sikkim.
The poet has been given the title ‘Adhikavi’ or ‘First Poet’ in Sikkim. Bhanubhakta is credited with translating the Ramayana into basic Nepalese, and his birthday is commemorated with poetry recitation competitions and literary conferences. The pioneering poet’s birth anniversary used to be celebrated for a week with a meeting of Nepali literature enthusiasts from around the world. Therefore, banks and most public organizations in Sikkim are closed on this day in honour of the poet.
Adikavi Bhanubhakta was born at Chundiramgha village of Bhanu Municipality in Tanahu on July 13th 1814 (Asar 29, 1871BS). Similarly, he died in 1868 (Asoj 6, 1925BS).
Bhanubhakta was born into an affluent Brahmin family in Chundiramgha, Tanahu, Nepal. His grandfather, Shri Krishna Acharya, was a well-known figure in his day. His grandfather provided him with a good education with a strong religious bent.
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When Bhanubhakta was 22 years old, he was reportedly so impressed by an incident involving a grass cutter that he decided to become a poet. One day, he met a grass cutter, and during their talk, he discovered that the grass cutter wished to contribute to society so that he, too, would be remembered after death.
The birth anniversary of the pioneering poet used to be celebrated for a week with the gathering of Nepali literati from Nepal and abroad
All government offices, educational institutions and public bodies in Bhanu Municipality are closed for this holiday.