Magar Literature Festival kicks off

By Our Correspondent,Butwal, Dec. 7: Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar inaugurated the first-ever Magar Literature Festival in Butwal on Thursday.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Deputy Speaker Rana highlighted the importance of the festival in introducing Magar literature to the community and said that there is limited participation of the Magar population in literary activities. 

She stressed the significant role of the Magar community in the country’s democratic movements and expressed delight over the active participation of Magar women in the festival.

“The Magar community has played a pivotal role in every democratic movement in Nepal. Now, it is equally important for the community to contribute to safeguarding democracy,” she said.

Mayor of Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City, Khel Raj Pandey, praised the festival for supporting the preservation of Magar language and culture. He announced that the city has published a citizen's charter in the Magar language as part of its efforts to promote local heritage.

The festival, organised by the Nepal Magar Women’s Association, Rupandehi, aims to educate participants about the Magar language, literature and history. It features events such as poetry recitation competitions, art exhibitions, book displays, presentations of ancient artefacts and the sharing of research papers on various topics.

The festival, which runs until Saturday, includes discussions on Magar literature, poetry recitation competitions and honouring the Magar literary figures. 

The festival will also feature a group discussion with prominent personalities, including Nepali scientist Mahabir Pun Magar, renowned actress Miruna Magar and journalist J.B. Puan Magar.

Yam Rana Magar, the coordinator of the festival's publicity committee, said that poetry recitation competitions will be held in three Magar languages - Dhut, Kham and Kaike.

The event has attracted participation from Magar writers, artists and personalities from various fields across the country, showcasing the vibrant cultural and literary heritage of the Magar community.