Mahaguru Phalgunanda's 141st birth anniversary marked

By Chandra Pandak,Taplejung, Nov. 12: The birth anniversary of Kirat Dham Mahaguru and the 16th national figure Phalgunanda Lingden was celebrated grandly in Taplejung.

The 141st birth anniversary of Mahaguru Lingden was marked with grand celebrations in several places, including the district headquarters, on Tuesday.

In Phungling, the anniversary was organised by the Kiranti religious organisation, Kiranti Dharma and Sahitya Utthan Sangh, Taplejung.

Karna Palungwa, district chairperson of the Kiranti Dharma and Sahitya Utthan Sangh, stated that Lingden’s birth anniversary was commemorated through various programmes, including a religious and peace rally in Phungling Bazaar.

According to Chairman Palungwa, a large peace and religious procession, featuring cultural performances such as Kelang (Chyabrung dance), was organised. Likewise, participants in traditional attire were paraded around Phungling Bazaar.

After the procession, a formal programme to celebrate Lingden’s birth anniversary was held at the Kirat Manghim (temple) premises in the village on Thursday.

The programme was attended by Deputy Mayor of Phungling Municipality Bhima Devi Ojha, Chief District Officer Shivaraj Sedhai, Deputy Superintendent of Armed Police Pramod Prakash Pathak, and others.

The association also stated that Phulmaya and others decorated the statue of Lingden located in Tokmedanda, Phungling Bazaar, and lit ceremonial lamps.

Additionally, special programmes and Kirat cultural activities were held at the Kirat Manghim and at sites housing Mahaguru Lingden’s statues across the district, in addition to the headquarters.

National figure and Kirat Mahaguru Phalgunanda Lingden was born on November 10, 1885 (25 Kartik 1942 BS) in Ilam.

The government declared Lingden a national figure in 2009 in recognition of his contributions to the Kirat language, script, rituals, culture, and social reform.