The inauguration of the 11th edition of the Nepal Literature Festival concluded on Thursday, January 15, in Lakeside, Pokhara. Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Surendra Raj Pandey, chaired the inauguration of the five-day-long festival.
During the festival’s inauguration, Chief Minister Pandey remarked that the event has become a defining feature of Pokhara, promoting both domestic and international tourism in the region.”The sessions held during the festival have attracted the intellectual community from across the country,” said Pandey. In his address at the event, Pandey also underscored the significance of literature as a means of expression during the Rana and Panchayat regimes.
Similarly, Niraj Bhari, the chief executive officer of Nepal Literature Festival, expressed that the festival aims to address various challenges people face in their lives.
Former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha delivered a scholarly discourse during the inauguration.
The first day of the event featured a book launch by veteran political cartoonist Durga Baral, alias Batsyayana, entitled “Batsyayana and His Barbs, Volume 2.” Following the book launch, an exhibition of Batsyayana’s cartoons was also exhibited.
Additionally, a photo exhibition by Suzana Shrish, entitled “Gurkha Women,” was also demonstrated at the event.This year’s Nepal Literature Festival will showcase over 50 sessions, more than five musical performances, and 15 stalls.
