KLF Kathmandu 2023

Yashaswi Prangya Pratisthan, Himalayan Diary Pvt Ltd from Nepal and Kalinga Literary Festival from India join hands for Kathmandu KLF Edition to celebrate the spirit of Lord Shiva and Gautama Buddha in the context of Nepal-India literary ties. The festival will focus on the glorious traditions of Nepal and India. Kalinga Literary Festival Kathmandu will showcase literature, music, dance, poetry and other art forms. It will be a lifetime experience for the lovers of Music, Dance, art, poetry and literature.

Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) Kathmandu will be held on September 01, 02, 03, 2023 at Kathmandu. Download Agenda

Central theme of the festival is

Shakti, Bhakti, Civilzational connection: Nepal As centre of Global Thought

Shakti and Bhakti are two concepts that have played a significant role in connecting Nepal and India’s civilization over the centuries.

Shakti is the divine feminine energy that is worshipped in Hinduism and other Indian religions. In Nepal, the goddess Durga is considered the embodiment of Shakti, and her worship is an essential part of Nepalese culture. The famous festival of Dashain, which is celebrated in Nepal and other parts of India, is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga and her various manifestations.

Bhakti, on the other hand, is the devotional practice of worshipping a personal god or goddess. It is a concept that originated in ancient India and has been an integral part of the Hindu and Buddhist traditions of Nepal and India. Bhakti emphasizes the importance of devotion and surrender to one’s chosen deity and is considered a path to spiritual enlightenment.

The connection between Shakti and Bhakti can be seen in the various temples and shrines dedicated to goddesses in Nepal and India. For example, the famous temple of Vaishno Devi in India and the temple of Goddess Taleju Bhawani in Kathmandu, Nepal, are both dedicated to the worship of goddesses and are popular pilgrimage sites for devotees.

The influence of Shakti and Bhakti can also be seen in Nepalese and Indian art and literature. The devotional poetry of medieval Bhakti saints such as Kabir, Surdas, and Tulsidas has inspired generations of people in Nepal and India. The folk songs and dances of Nepal and India often depict stories of the goddesses and their heroic deeds.

Overall, Shakti and Bhakti have played a vital role in connecting the civilizations of Nepal and India. These concepts have helped foster a shared cultural heritage and a sense of spiritual unity between the people of these two nations.

Nepal, with its rich cultural heritage, unique geography, and diverse population, has contributed significantly to the global civilization in various ways. Here are some examples:

Cultural and Religious Significance: Nepal is home to many important cultural and religious sites, including the famous Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. These sites have attracted pilgrims and visitors from all over the world and have contributed to the development and dissemination of religious and cultural practices globally.

Trade and Commerce: Nepal has been a hub of trade and commerce between India and Tibet for centuries, which has contributed to the development of the Silk Road, connecting Asia to Europe. Nepal’s strategic location has also made it a significant center for trade and commerce with China, India, and other neighboring countries.

Mountaineering and Adventure Tourism: Nepal’s unique geography, including the Himalayas, has made it a popular destination for mountaineering and adventure tourism. Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, is located in Nepal, attracting climbers and adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. This has contributed to the development of the adventure tourism industry globally.

Art and Architecture: Nepal has a rich tradition of art and architecture, with many temples, palaces, and monuments reflecting the country’s unique cultural heritage. The intricate carvings and designs of Nepali architecture have influenced the development of art and architecture globally.

Language and Literature: Nepal has a rich tradition of literature and poetry in various languages, including Nepali, Newari, and Maithili. Nepali literature has contributed to the development of regional and global literature, with many Nepali writers being recognized internationally.

Overall, Nepal’s contribution to global civilization is significant and diverse, reflecting the country’s unique cultural heritage, natural resources, and strategic location.

Nepal has been a center of pilgrimage and cultural destination for seekers around the world. This divine land on the foothills of the mighty Himalayas has attracted mystics, yogis, adventurers and nature lovers for millen-nia. People of Nepal are known for their simplicity and bravery. The land has a rich heritage and has enjoyed a lasting relationship with India. The Nepal-India Literary Summit proposes to build upon these strengths and celebrate the civilizational contact between the two great countries.

This is perhaps the first time in history that literature, culture, art, history will come together to connect the regions of Nepal with those of India. The festival will focus on Spirituality, Art, culture, Shiv Tatwa, Ram Ka-tha, Buddha, Promotion of Nepal and India historical relationship (Pashupatinath to Puri, Kashi to Kathmandu, Bodhgaya to Bodhnath, From Lumbini to Lal Ded and other fruitful ties that have existed for many epochs. These are the mainstream and the marginalized cultures of two vibrant nations on the march.

To engage with historical literary traditions/ genres to foster mutual learning.

• To create an Asian and global level platform for emerging art forms  including literatures.
• To inspires  and train young and aspiring authors to  become torch bearers of literary traditions
• To encourage dialogue of literature with the policy makers, activists, artists and leaders.
• To highlight the rich legacy of Nepali language, literature and cultures and promote Kathamandu city as a focal point of new creative  expressions.
• To  centerstage the need for an active cultural  synergy among the local  and the  global.
• To create a platform for artistes from different creative fields to interact with each other and share their work among themselves and with their readers/audiences.

We plan to celebrate, among other aspects, theme of Shiv and Buddha Tatwa and its contribution to South Asia and global literary movements and traditions. The festival will have panel discussions on literature, Art, Culture, History, and showcase artistic traditions  like the idea of the Shiv Tatwa, the songs of Meera Bai, Akka Mahadevi, Andal, Lalded,  the Vaishnava poets from Nepal and India, in addition to  the world of Nepalese and Indian art and music.