A mega Gazal mela in Damak

Book launch event at the festival. Photo: Arjun Pradhan

March 14, 2010: It was a rare even and organizers claim it as the first of its kind yet it was an extremely enjoyable, blissful and memorable one for all those attending the function.

The transport strike called in eastern Nepal did not obstruct littérateurs from three countries — Bhutan, Nepal and India to share feelings and thoughts through Gazals. They were ferried through bikes from distant places.

Hundreds of Gazal writers from Bhutan, Nepal and India gathered for two-day warm up session on Nepali literature in Damak, eastern city in Nepal on Friday and Saturday.

According to Prakash Angdembe, one of the organizers, there were over 150 writers from Nepal, 12 from Bhutan and 6 from India. Bhutanese team was led by Pratap Subba, Indian by Mani Kamal Chhetri and Nepalese by Budh Rana. The three veterans exchanged topi (cap) to symbolize literary connection from western Nepal to far-east Bhutan.

On the first day, though festival started hours later than planned, over a dozen books on Gazal were released and over three dozen Gazals read and sung. The reading session continued on Saturday as well besides discussing future strategies for popularization of the Nepali Gazals.

The festival had attracted young and old writers alike. Most people addressed the function in Gazal. They divided into groups and listened to each others. Politics, social evils, love, affection, life and nature, they spared nothing in their creations.

The festival was jointly organized by Purbanchal Gazal Manch, Gantabya Theatre, Bhutan Gazal Manch, Bhetghat Chautari, Sahitya Chautari and Gazal Nepal. Buddhi Sambahamfey, Biswas Balibhadra Koirala, Dikesh Lama, Yeman Subedi and Elina-Ambika-Dipa-Deepika among others took opportunity to launch their new book during the festival.