KATHMANDU: The 156th Moti Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the national luminary Motiram Bhatta, is being observed today by organizing several literary events. Bhatta, a unique figure of Nepali literature, is given the title ‘Youth Poet’.
He was born on the day of Kushe Aunshi (father’s day) in 1923 BS (1866 AD) and passed away on the same day in 1953 BS (1896) at the age of 30. Despite his short span of life, he has made a significant contribution to the promotion of Nepali literature. He was the first person to publish the biography of Aadikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya and is also credited for introducing the printing press for the first time in Nepal.
He was the one who promoted the use of Shringar Rash (aestheticism) in Nepali literature. Several organizations are marking the day with various programs today.