'Poetry not like instant noodles'

By Avaya Shrestha,Bhaktapur, July 15: A unique sight was witnessed throughout Sunday on the premises of the Changu Narayan Temple. On the eastern side of the temple, poets were seen deeply engrossed in writing poems, inspired by 22 artworks focused on heritage. 

A few days back, 22 artists from Bhaktapur had created paintings based on the heritage, nature, and culture of the areas surrounding Changu Narayan Municipality. The municipality had then invited 33 poets from across the country to compose poems on those artworks.

As the paintings were only recently provided, some poets had not yet been able to complete their poems, while others were seen giving their works final touches.

Narayan Shrestha, a journalist and poet visiting from the US for a month, wrote a symbolic poem titled 'Gau Aaeko Bato' based on the painting 'Trishul,' offering a glimpse into the village’s potential future.

Harihar Timilsina, one of the coordinators of the Changu Narayan Art and Literature Festival organised to mark Nagarkot Visit Year 2082 BS, was busy finalising his poem inspired by the painting of Ratnagiri Hill. “Writing poetry this quickly is no easy task,” he said. “Still, we accepted this as a challenge to support the municipality’s tourism campaign.” In his poem, Timilsina envisioned all humans undergoing a transformation, akin to the dacoit Ratnakar becoming the sage Balmiki.

Poet Ramgopal Ashutosh recited a long yet beautiful poem titled 'Gaphine Surya Ra Lichchhavi Savyatako Badalmuni Hariyo Ratna' inspired by the same painting. His poem explored the delicate strands of ancient civilisation.

Renowned poet Shrawan Mukarung was tasked with composing a poem based on a painting titled 'Bishnumurti.' However, he expressed that it was not possible to complete the poem immediately and instead recited one of his earlier works. “Poetry isn’t something you can whip up like instant noodles,” Mukarung said. “A spark must ignite in the mind before a poem can take form.” 

He promised to submit his poem to the municipality within a few days. Poets Swapnil Smriti, Bimala Tumkhewa, and Dharmendra Bikram Nembang also joined the lineup.

Poet Radhika Kalpit composed a striking poem titled Savyatako Sacho' based on Prakash Manandhar’s painting 'Nagarkot Valley View.' Delving into the painting’s background, she reflected deeply on the local civilisation, customs, and way of life.

Deepak Sapkota crafted another powerful poem based on the painting 'Muhanpokhari' by Kanchha Kaji Bhasima. Though lengthy, the poem effectively captured the essence of local life.

The painting 'Bojhini Bandh' inspired brief yet impactful poems from Sita Tumkhewa and Geeta Tripathi, while Apsara Lawati composed a concise and evocative poem based on 'Matsyanarayan.'

Laxmi Rumba and Bina Thing wrote poems centred on Tamang culture. Mani Lohani and Sulochana Manandhar focused on 'Ranijhula,' while Laxmi Thapa took on 'Matsyanarayan,' and poets Sneh Sayami and Kabiraj Ghimire drew inspiration from 'Manohara Phat.'

Puru Lamsal, Narendra Kumar Gelal, and Ramsharan Neupane presented poems on a painting titled 'Changu Narayan.' Similarly, Ananta Wagley worked on 'Mahamanjushree,' Dr. Saroj Dhital and Laxmi Mali on 'Banstola Village,' and Junu Ghimire and Dadhiram Gelal on 'Saraswati Mandir.'

Poets Uttam Tumsa, Radha Karki, and Janardan Rijal chose to present independent poems not directly based on the artworks.

Critics Gurung Sushant and Kumari Lama expressed happiness that the local level government had given such priority to literature and art.

The municipality has planned to compile these paintings and poems into a book. “Literature and culture are powerful tools for developing tourism,” said Mayor Jeevan Khatri. “That’s why we’re publishing these artworks and poems together.” 

He appreciated the poets for accepting the challenge of creating poems within a short time frame and commended their effort.