KATHMANDU: March 20 is celebrated as the International Day of the French-speaking world — ‘Francophonie’ — all over the world and Nepal is no exception. The word ‘Francophonie’ appeared for the first time in 1880 when French geographer Onesime Reclus coined it to define geographical areas where French language was spoken. The term refers to all people who partially or entirely use French language in their everyday life or even just to communicate.

Alliance Francaise along with Nanglo Bakery Café will celebrate the famous Francophonie Night Festival on March 24. But the festivities will begin way before that date, March 10 to be exact.

They are coming up with numerous events to make March an eventful month. “We are joining hands with Alliance Francaise this year. Santanu Mitra, photo consultant at The Himalayan Times, will be exhibiting his photographs of Paris at Nanglo Café and Pub, Durbar Marg from March 10 till April 8. We will serve French cuisine at Nanglo the entrire with pleasant French music,” says Gopal Sunder Lal Kakshapati, managing director of Nanglo Bakeries. Kakshapati said this is a kind of awareness for Nepali people as most Nepalis have not heard of the term ‘Francophonie’.

A special tribute will be paid to French speaking Africa this year where a selection of films and documentaries by African filmmakers will be screened and meals from different part of Africa will be served at the Alliance Bistrot. Besides a special radio programme Franco Music Mania, will be broadcast on Metro FM. “Since people think only European countries speak French, we want to tell them that even African countries speak French. In fact it is their official language because they have a lot of colloquial language and to make communication easier they have adopted French as their official language,” says Mathilde Vanmansart, director of Alliance Francaise.

On the D-day there will be fun French show, which will include a lot songs, play and dance. “French actor Mounir Otman will be the highlight of the party and he will be presenting short stories from the Africa. There will good food too, and we will serve Khus-khus a particular African meal,” adds Vanmansart.

Events Francophonie

• March 18: Franco Music Mania at Metro FM

• March 19 to 24: Africa on film

• March 20 to 24: African Lunch at the Cafeteria

• March 24 night: Party celebrating ‘Francophonie’ with lots of good food, show and dance party