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The 212th birth anniversary of the pioneer poet of Nepali literature, Bhanubhakta Acharya, is being celebrated today by organizing a variety of programs across the country and abroad.

Among many noble creations, Bhanubhakta is revered for his Nepali translation of the Ramayana, a Hindu scripture originally written in Sanskrit language. 

He is also recognized as having unified modern Nepal through language, literature and culture, after King Prithvi Narayan Shah united the country geographically. Born on 29 Asar 1871 BS in the village of Chundiramgha in Tanahun,                                                                                                                                                              Bhanubhakta has many other creations including 'Badhushikshya', 'Prashnottar', 'Bhaktamala', 'Ramgeeta' etc. 

Critics and well-wishers alike gather in various events today to offer respect to Bhanubhakta and hold discussions and review on his ideas and creations.

The statue of national icon Bhanubhakta in front of Ranipokhari in Kathmandu will be garlanded after an early morning procession today.

Bhanu Jayanti is also celebrated by reciting the Ramayana, which was translated into Nepali by Adikabi Acharya.

Tribhuvan University Associate Professor Gyannishtha Gyawali, who is studying and researching Bhanubhakta, says that it is fair to call Bhanubhakta Adikabi or pioneer poet as he made a significant contribution to linguistic unity by translating a text like Ramayana into Nepali language. 

Poet Acharya passed away in Asoj 1925 BS. Bhanubhakta's birth anniversary is also celebrated in countries and places where there are many Nepali speakers including Bhutan, Myanmar, Darjeeling, Sikkim and other parts of India.

Meanwhile, in a message on the occasion, President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that we should all reflect on the historical fact that Bhanubhakta helped establish linguistic unity among Nepali speakers around the world.

“Bhanubhakta has made an incomparable contribution to the promotion of Nepali language, literature and culture by making Nepali language the language of the people and making it more advanced,” the President said.

The President has mentioned that Bhanubhakta's Ramayana is a work that promotes the Nepali script and helps in using religion, duty, loyalty, service, etc. in human life.

He has also called for developing the birthplace of Bhanubhakta as a historical and cultural site, while wishing that the day would inspire all of us to love, respect and protect language and culture, deepen the feeling of mutual trust, love and unity among all Nepalis.

There is a possibility of heavy rainfall at one or two places in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Karnali Provinces today. 

Light to moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning is likely at some places in all provinces, according to the Meteorological Weather Forecasting Division. 

Due to monsoon winds affecting across the country, there is also a possibility of light to moderate rainfall and snowfall at a few places in the high-hills and mountainous regions of the country.

Tonight, the weather will remain generally cloudy throughout the country. There is a possibility of light to moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning at some places in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim Provinces and at a few places in the remaining provinces. There is also a possibility of heavy rainfall at one or two places in Koshi and Gandaki Provinces.

Furthermore, there is a possibility of light to moderate rainfall and snowfall at a few places in the high-hills and mountainous regions of the country.

Saima Wazed, daughter of former Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina and WHO’s Southeast Asia chief, has been placed on indefinite leave after corruption and fraud allegations surfaced.

WHO head Dr. Tedros announced the move in an internal email, naming Dr. Catharina Boehme as her temporary replacement, according to Firstpost.

Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission accuses Wazed of using political influence to secure her WHO post, faking credentials, and misusing $2.8m through the Shuchona Foundation during her mother’s rule.

At least 22 civilians, including three children, were killed in an air strike on a monastery sheltering displaced people in Lin Ta Lu village, central Myanmar. The attack happened early Friday, leaving the monastery hall completely destroyed, according to Hindustan Times.

Locals say the victims believed the monastery was a safe haven. Two others remain in critical condition. A resident who saw the aftermath described bodies torn apart and said the scene was heartbreaking.

Sagaing region, heavily targeted since the 2021 coup, continues to face deadly strikes despite a supposed post-quake truce, Hindustan Times reported.