NYWW culminates into Himalayan Literature Festival

The New York Writers Workshop Kathmandu recently concluded workshops held at various picturesque locations around the valley, including their base at Park Village Resort, Budhanilkantha. Participants and faculty also embarked on cultural excursions, visiting iconic sites like Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, and Bouddhanath. They explored the rich history of Changunarayan, the grandeur of Basantapur Durbar Square, and the vibrant markets of Asan and Indrachowk.

Workshop attendees, hailing from diverse corners of the globe, were accompanied by representatives from White Lotus Book Shop, who facilitated connections with the local people and culture. Inspired by their experiences at holy shrines like Pashupatinath and Changunarayan, participants created poems and stories that were shared during workshops.

Yuyutsu Sharma, curator of the Himalayan Literature Festival, shared that some of the workshop participants plan to present their work at the upcoming festival, which will take place at Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel on May 27 and 28.

The festival promises a vibrant showcase of international literary talent. Workshop writers, captivated by Nepal’s cultural tapestry and natural beauty, are crafting poems, stories, and even photography based on their experiences.  Several plan to create lasting artistic expressions upon returning home, with some considering documentaries exploring Nepal's rich ethnic diversity and customs. Authors are enthusiastic about translating their workshop creations into languages like Greek, Spanish, and Panamanian. Further excursions to Pokhara and Chitwan are planned, allowing them to deepen their understanding and translate their experiences into various literary forms.

The festival boasts an esteemed faculty, including Prof. Tim Tomlinson, Dr. Piia Mustamaki, Dr Ravi Shankar (workshops for GATE College), and Tony Barnstone, Ruth Danon, and Jami Proctor Xu (workshops for Kathmandu International School, Guheswori).

The festival will be inaugurated by Rob Fenn, the UK Ambassador to Nepal. He will be joined by distinguished guests, including co-founders of the New York Writers Workshop, Tim Tomlinson and Dr Ravi Shankar.

The festival will take place across three venues within Kathmandu Guest House. Following the inauguration, there will be various programs including panel discussions on Ghazal and the evolving role of magazines, as well as a Nepali poetry reading session. Renowned writer K Satchidanandan will also be in conversation, while other panels explore themes of ‘Home and Beyond’ and the ‘Culture of Silence.’

The festival will also feature multilingual poetry readings. Rajni Mila is set to moderate the Nepal Bhasa poetry session, while Tony Barnstone will lead a discussion on translation with renowned translators.

There will also be book launches and signings, with around 12 books scheduled for release, including the latest City Issue of Pratik magazine. Authors like Gorka Lasa, Tony Barnstone, and Shyam Rimal will be among those presenting their works.

The festival will also pay homage to the revered Nepali poet Gopal Prasad Rimal. His son, Madan Rimal, will speak about his father at the opening session. The festival also features the inauguration of Rimal’s English translations and a stage performance of his poetry by the Garden Theatre Community. A panel discussion on Rimal’s life and times is also scheduled for May 28.

The festival encourages interaction between international and Nepali literary figures. Photographer Bikas Rauniar will engage in a discussion on the ‘Art of Photography’ with Boston-based photographer Julie Williams-Krishnan.

Nepali literature is well-represented with panels like ‘The Space of Nepali Literature in Nepalese Media’, featuring prominent writers like Yubaraj Ghimire and Narayan Wagle, moderated by Ken Subedi. Critic Ganesh Khaniya will discuss the latest novel by Akhanda Bhandari, and a panel titled ‘Nepali Writing Now’ will delve into current trends in the Nepali literary scene.

The Himalayan Literature Festival promises a comprehensive experience for literature enthusiasts, offering a platform for exploring Nepali, Indian, and international writing trends across various genres.