Kathmandu: The 211th birth anniversary of Bhanubhakta Acharya, the first poet of Nepali literature, is being celebrated today with various programs at home and abroad.

Bhanubhakta, who translated the biography of King Ram of Ayodhya from Sanskrit into Nepali in his famous ‘Ramayan’ and recited it in Nepalese households in a melodious rhythm, is still remembered with great respect. It is said that Nepal which was geographically united by Prithvi Narayan Shah was united by Bhanubhakta through language, literature, and culture.

Bhanubhakta, who was born in Chundi Ramgha village of Tanahun on Ashad 21 1871 BS., was inspired by a grass cutter and translated the Ramayan into Nepali. Apart from ‘Ramayan’, his other famous works include ‘Badhushiksha’, ‘Prashnottar’, ‘Bhaktamala’, ‘Ram Gita’ and few other books.