Quick Reference Card
| Date | Jestha Shukla Panchami (May 20-21) |
| Duration | One-day event |
| Observance | National (Nepal) |
| Celebrated in | Nepal, particularly Kathmandu and literary circles |
| Observing Communities | Writers, poets, students, intellectuals, cultural organizations and literary enthusiasts |
| Type of Event | Cultural and Literary |
| Purpose of Event | To honor the birth anniversary of Yugkavi Siddhicharan Shrestha, one of the greatest Nepali poets of the 20th century, and to celebrate his literary contributions and political legacy. |
| Holiday Status | No (Not an official public holiday) |
| First Observed in | After his death in 1992; major centenary celebration held in 2013 |
Quick Fact: Siddhicharan Shrestha earned the title "Yugkavi" (Poet of the Era) for his epoch-defining contributions to Nepali literature. He was imprisoned for 18 years by the Rana regime for his seditious poetry advocating democracy and freedom.
Yugkavi Siddhicharan Shrestha Janma Jayanti is observed annually to commemorate the birth anniversary of one of Nepal's greatest poets, Siddhicharan Shrestha (1912-1992). Known as "Yugkavi" or the Poet of the Era, Shrestha's literary works and political courage have left an enduring mark on Nepali literature and the nation's democratic movement.
History and Background
Siddhicharan Shrestha was born on March 21, 1912 in Okhaldhunga, eastern Nepal. He moved to Kathmandu in 1919 and studied at Durbar High School. He began his literary career under the mentorship of renowned poet Siddhi Das Amatya and went on to become the most celebrated Nepali poet of the 20th century. During the Rana autocracy, his revolutionary poetry advocating democracy and freedom led to his imprisonment from 1940 to 1958 — a total of 18 years. Despite this hardship, he continued writing and his works inspired freedom fighters across the nation. He passed away on June 4, 1992.
Purpose of Yugkavi Siddhicharan Shrestha Janma Jayanti
This day is mainly observed to:
Honor the lifetime contributions of Siddhicharan Shrestha to Nepali and Nepal Bhasa literature.
Celebrate artistic and political courage in the face of oppression.
Inspire new generations of writers and activists through his legacy.
Preserve the literary heritage and cultural continuity of Nepal.
How is Yugkavi Siddhicharan Shrestha Janma Jayanti Observed?
This day is observed through various literary and cultural activities:
Academic seminars and literary discussions at universities and cultural institutions.
Poetry recitations and readings of his most famous works including "Mero Pyaro Okhaldhunga."
Government and cultural organization commemorations.
Student discussions of his political legacy and literary impact.
Publishing and distribution of his collected works and scholarly articles.
Importance of Yugkavi Siddhicharan Shrestha Janma Jayanti
This day is important for several reasons:
Siddhicharan Shrestha pioneered modern Nepali and Nepal Bhasa literary movements.
He served as a bridge figure between traditional and contemporary Nepali literature.
He is a symbol of artistic resistance to authoritarianism and oppression.
His works demonstrated the power of literature in social and political transformation.
He mentored numerous poets and writers of subsequent generations.
Conclusion
Yugkavi Siddhicharan Shrestha Janma Jayanti celebrates the life and legacy of a poet whose words sparked a revolution. His unwavering dedication to both literature and democracy continues to inspire writers, thinkers and citizens across Nepal, making his birth anniversary a day of literary pride and national remembrance.