Baniyani, November 10

Damak Municipality in Jhapa has announced public holiday on the occasion of the Phalgunanda Jayanti, which falls tomorrow.

According to Mayor Romnath Oli, the decision was taken by the municipality’s town council as to honour national luminary Phalgunanda Lingdel.

Likewise, the Chulachuli Rural Municipality in Ilam has also announced public holiday to mark Palgunananda’s birth anniversary. Phattalung Rural Municipality in Taplejung has also announced public holiday on Phalgunanda Jayanti, said Damak municipality’s executive officer Ganesh Prasad Timsina. Phalgunanda is revered as the mahaguru (great religious leader) by the followers of the Kirat religion.

Phalgunanda was born on November 10, 1885 in Chukchinamba of Ibhang -5, Ilam, to Hansamati Limbu and Jaganbaj Limbu. He was the third son of the Limbu couple. He died on April 4, 1949 (Chaita 22, 2005 BS). He is remembered for his outstanding role in bringing social reforms.

The Kirat people, especially in eastern Nepal, celebrate 25th Kartik in the Nepali calendar every year as Phalugananda Jayanti. The government had in 2009 declared him a national luminary. He is the 16th national luminary of Nepal. A commemorative postage stamp is being issued in his honour.