KATHMANDU: Winner of Madan Puraskar of Nepal, litterateur Madan Mani Dixit, has passed away today. He was 96.

Dixit, who was suffering from pneumonia, had been admitted to Sumeru Hospital last week and had just been discharged on Wednesday.

It has been reported that he became unconscious while going to the restroom at home this morning. Subsequently, he was rushed to Kamalpokhari-based Himal Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Litterateur Dixit's ‘Madhavi’, 'Meri Nilima', 'Rigveda' and other creations were cherished for their contribution to Nepali Literature.

Dixit was also known for his contribution to Nepali journalism.

Last rites of Dixit will be performed in Pashupati Aryaghat today.