Devkota's 117th Birth Anniversary Marked
The 117th birth anniversary of Mahakavi Laxmi Prasad Devkota was observed with poetry recitations and related programs. At an event organized by Nepal Academy at the Devkota Museum on Sunday, fifteen poets commemorated the national poet through their readings.
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Organizer: Nepal Academy
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Venue: Devkota Museum
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Program: Poetry recitations and commemorative activities
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Participants: Fifteen poets
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Occasion: 117th birth anniversary of Mahakavi Laxmi Prasad Devkota
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Day: 2082 Kartik 3, Monday
Remarks by the Nepal Academy Chancellor
Chancellor Bhupal Rai underscored the need for state protection of the Devkota Museum by placing it under the ministry. He noted that, because the museum currently falls under the Academy, shortages of budget and programs have hindered its full operation.
Citing examples of long-term cultural preservation, he mentioned the continued protection of Shakespeare’s residence and the house of the poet Du Fu in Chengdu, China. Expressing dissatisfaction that a new structure was built, he stated that Devkota’s old residence should instead have been preserved exactly as it was and converted into the museum.
Life and Contributions of Devkota
Mahakavi Devkota—widely regarded for his versatility across genres in Nepali literature—was born in Kathmandu on the day of Laxmi Puja during Tihar, on B.S. 1966 Kartik 27. On this occasion, Dr. Balakrishna Adhikari presented a concept paper on Devkota’s life and works.
According to the paper, Devkota, the son of Pandit Til Madhav and Amar Rajyalaxmi Devi, was inspired by his home environment and began writing poetry from a young age. His capacity for fluent composition enabled him to write the epic “Shakuntala” in three months, the epic “Sulochana” in ten days, and “Kunjini” in a single day.
“Muna Madan,” written in the popular folk tune of the time, gained wide acclaim and continues to be printed in new editions. He brought the Nepali poem “Pagal” to international attention through its translation into English. Beyond literature, he served as a teacher and politician, including as Minister of Education, and is noted as a figure associated with the establishment of Tribhuvan University for higher education.
Research and Critical Perspectives
Research leading to doctorates on Devkota’s life and contribution is ongoing. Commenting on the concept paper, critic Sudha Mainali noted that extensive international research on Devkota has continued in 2024 and 2025 and affirmed that his contributions will remain the subject of lasting discussion.
Family Tribute
Prof. Dr. Padma Prasad Devkota, the poet’s son, discussed distinctions between his father’s literary and family personas and recited a poem dedicated to him.
Devkota passed away on B.S. 2016 Bhadra 29 during treatment for cancer.
Selected Works
Works Published from the Deathbed (as listed)
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“Munamadan”
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“Sulochana”
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“Shakuntala”
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“Kunjika”
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“Pahadi Pukar Putali” (children’s poem)
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“Bhikhari”
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“Sunko Bihan”
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“Chhahara”
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“Janmotsav”
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“Mutuko Thopa”
Additional Collections and Epics
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“Chilla Patharu”
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“Gaine Geetharu”
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“Bhavana Ganggeya”
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“Aakash Bolchha”
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“Chhangasang Kura”
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“Laxmi Kavita Sangraha”
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“Laxmi Geet Sangraha”
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Epics: “Muna Madan,” “Rajkumar Prabhakar,” “Kunjini”
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Vasanti lyric-epic: “Maina”
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“Sundari Jarpina”
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“Ravan Jatayu Yuddha”
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“Mhendu Luni”
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“Sita Haran”
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“Mayavini Sarsi”
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“Navaras Kosh Kavya”
Essays
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“Bhaladmi”
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“Phool”
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“Pahadi Jivan”
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“Hai Hai Angreji”
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“Ke Nepal Sano Chha”
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“Kala ra Jivan”
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“Kalpana”
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“Sadhuko Mahatmaya”
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“Nidra”
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“On Shri Panchami, My Journey Toward Palpa Tansen”
