Kalinga Literary Festival kicks off

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Sept.2: The Kathmandu Kalinga Literary Festival (KFL) kicked off its second edition in Kathmandu on Friday. The three-day literary festival aims to foster cultural exchange and promote Nepal’s rich civilisation, knowledge, and culture on a global scale.

Foreign Minister NP Saud extended a warm welcome to South Asian writers, intellectuals, and art enthusiasts attending the festival on behalf of the Government of Nepal.

Speaking at the inauguration of the festival, he said that the festival provides a platform for cross-cultural dialogue. He also wished success of the festival. Rashmi Ranjan Parida, the founder of the Kalinga Literary Festival, reflected on the longstanding cultural ties between India and Nepal, emphasising the enduring nature of the cultural exchange.

Professor Madhav Prasad Pokharel highlighted the historical connections between the Kalinga region and Kathmandu, emphasising the role of this land in the spread of Buddhism and knowledge. 

Meanwhile, the festival honoured outstanding literary works across various genres, including Nawaraj KC’s ‘Shunya ko Mulya’,  Bibek Ojha’s,  ‘Aaithan’,  and Renuka GC’s ‘Sanes’, which received the Yashaswi award during the festival.

Other notable works honoured during the event included Dr. Mahendra Kumar Malla's poetry collection ‘Bhashako Bakpatra’, Govind Giri Prerna's biography ‘Sushree Parijat’, Anuradha's ‘Chhamchhamko Chhamchhami’ in children's literature, Narayan Ghimire's ‘Raithane Chadbad Ra Khanpan’  and Lakpa Dendi Sherpa's autobiography ‘Himalayan Maverick’ has also been awarded. 

The highlight of the festival was Divya Dutta, a renowned Indian actress and model known for her roles in Hindi and Punjabi movies, as well as her appearances in Malayalam and English films. She delivered a talk on ‘Versatility and Voice: The Divya Dutta Journey in Indian Cinema’ during the first day of the festival.

The organiser said that around 400 writers from various South Asian countries would participate throughout  the festival.