Two poets representing Nepal at Kerala Int'l Festival

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 16: The International Literature Festival of Kerala (ILFK) has invited two Nepali poets, Amar Aakash and Bhuwan Thapaliya, to participate in its second edition, scheduled from August 17 to 21 in Thrissur, Kerala.

Organised by the Kerala Sahitya Academy in collaboration with the Department of Culture of the Kerala government, the ILFK is regarded as a true people's festival, celebrating the power of literature to connect, question, and inspire. 

The event will feature over 200 leading writers, poets, and thinkers from India and abroad for poem recitation, discussions, and cultural exchanges.

Both Akash and Thapaliya will take part in multiple readings and interact with Malayalam poets and other participating writers from across the globe. They will also participate in a high-profile panel discussion titled 'New Trends in Poetry' alongside internationally acclaimed Palestinian poet Asma Azaizeh and renowned Tibetan poet Tenzin Tsundue.

Amar Aakash (pen name of Laxman Adhikari) is a distinctive voice in contemporary Nepali poetry and fiction. 

His debut poetry collection, 'Tungana', launched at the New Delhi World Book Fair, received critical acclaim in both India and Nepal for its lyrical depth and innovative style. 

An expert at classic cinema and columnist, Aakash is also known for his literary criticism and short stories published in Samakalin and Annapurna Post. His much-anticipated debut novel, 'Grahan' (Eclipse), is scheduled for release in 2026.

Thapaliya, an English-language poet from Kathmandu, is the author of four poetry collections, including 'Safa Tempo' (Nirala, New Delhi). 

An economist by profession, his work has appeared in leading international journals and anthologies, such as Life in Quarantine: Witnessing Global Pandemic Initiative (Stanford University), the International Human Rights Art Festival, and Poetry and Covid (UK Arts and Humanities Research Council). 

He has presented his work at literary events in South Korea, India, the United States, Thailand, Cambodia, and Nepal.

Calling ILFK "A golden opportunity," Aakash said, "It’s a privilege to introduce Nepali writing to a wider world and to join a galaxy of amazing writers."

Thapaliya shared similar sentiments, describing his participation as “A unique experience—visiting our close neighbour and immersing myself in its vibrant literary scene.”

The International Literature Festival of Kerala is expected to draw hundreds of literature enthusiasts and promises to be a dynamic platform for cultural exchange and dialogue.