By Our Correspondent
Kavre, Jan. 17: Two books and a song about ‘Makar Mela’, a celebration marked once in every 12 years at Panauti, Kavre, have been released.
The books ‘Panauti ko 12 Barshe Makar Mela’ and ‘Makar Mela of Panauti’ by writer and cultural activist Surya Lakoju and a song about the identity of Panauti were released in the presence of Panauti Mayor Bhim Neupane on Saturday.

Senior writers like Mohan Duwal and other literary creators, critics, musicians and singers were also present in the release.
As suggested by the title, the books are about the ‘Makar Mela’, its religious, cultural and historical importance alongside the numbers of temples located along the Tribeni area of Panauti.
Writer Lakoju informed that the identity of Panauti has been published in English to introduce the historical identity of ‘Makar Mela’ to the global readers.

Meanwhile, Bijaya Ram Karmacharya has given voice to the song on Panauti written by Lakoju. The music is by Surendra Shrestha and the song is arranged by Bal Krishna Sewacharya.
Speaking at the programme, Mayor Neupane said, “Literature is a medium recognised across the world. Literary creations carry the society, city and nation in entirety.”
“The books by Lakoju will be helpful in understanding the historical Makar Mela more properly,” said Duwal.