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(From left) Poet Madhav Ghimire, writer Tulsi Prasad Bhattarai, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, federal affairs minister Minendra Rijal and others pose for photo after offering garland to the statue of Bhanu Bhakata Acharya marking Bhanujayanti in Kathmandu, Monday. nepalnews.com/rh

The birth anniversary of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya (1814-1868 AD), the first poet writing in Nepali is being observed in Nepal by organising various programmes on Monday.  Acharya, popularly known as 'Adikabi', is remembered for his contribution to promotion and expansion of Nepali literature.

Speaking at a programme organised in the capital to remember late Acharya, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal said this first Nepali-language poet ably united all Nepalis through language.

Nepal also said the government was serious towards providing social security to littérateurs in their old ages.

On the occasion, he honoured writer Shyam Prasad Sharma and artist Tek Bir Mukhiya, who were then toured around the city on chariot.

Translation of 'Ramayana' is one of Acharya's most significant contribution to Nepali literature besides other literary creations like 'Badhu Sikshya', 'Bhaktamala', 'Ram Gita' and 'Prasnottari'. Nepali-speaking communities in India and elsewhere around the world also organise programmes on Bhanu Jayanti. nepalnews.com