Annual Sanskrit Poets’ Gathering at Champadevi

Jayatu Sanskritam organized its annual Sanskrit Poets’ Gathering at Champadevi, celebrating Sanskrit literature with poetry recitations, discussions, and cultural activities to promote classical language among scholars and youth.

Continuing its tradition of promoting Sanskrit language and literature, the organization Jayatu Sanskritam successfully organized its annual Sanskrit Poets’ Gathering (Sanskrit Kavi Sammelan) on Asar 1 (June 15) at the scenic hill of Champadevi, located on the southern edge of the Kathmandu Valley.

The event, held every year on the first day of the Nepali month Asar, aims to celebrate the richness of Sanskrit literature and provide a platform for poets and scholars to present their compositions in classical Sanskrit. This year’s gathering attracted dozens of poets, academicians, students, and Sanskrit enthusiasts from across Nepal.

Last year, the event was held at Chandragiri, another hill station near Kathmandu. The organizers stated that this annual rotation of venues helps connect the ancient language with nature and Nepal’s cultural landscapes, making the event both literary and spiritually immersive.

Speaking at the event, the chairperson of Jayatu Sanskritam, Prof. Dr. Badri Pokrel, highlighted the importance of Sanskrit in shaping South Asian civilization. “Sanskrit is not just a language, but a treasure trove of knowledge, philosophy, and values. Through events like this, we aim to revive interest in the language among the younger generation,” he said.

The event featured recitations of original Sanskrit poems ranging from devotional hymns to verses addressing contemporary social issues. Several poets also presented experimental works blending classical meter with modern themes, showcasing the evolving face of Sanskrit poetry. Among the notable participants were Himalaya Bhattarai, Hari Pandey, and a group of Sanskrit students from Balmiki Campus. Many participants expressed their enthusiasm and appreciation for such a unique event, emphasizing the need for more platforms to practice and promote Sanskrit. The serene natural setting of Champadevi added to the spiritual and cultural atmosphere of the event. Attendees also participated in a short hike and a group meditation session before the formal proceedings began.

Jayatu Sanskritam has been organizing this annual event for several years and plans to expand its outreach in the future by collaborating with international Sanskrit organizations and publishing selected poems from the event in a dedicated anthology.