Author Nayan Raj Pandey’s new novel, Sallipir, was released amid a programme held at the premises of Nepal Tourism Board, in the Capital, on Saturday. The book was launched jointly by author Pandey and poet Shyamal.

Sallipir is the seventh novel by Pandey, whose previous works like Loo and Ulaar were highly acclaimed by the audience and critics alike.

“Pandey whose previous works were set mostly in different settings in the Tarai has this time around ascended to the Himalayan region,” said poet Shyamal, referring to the novel’s Himalayan setting. “But, the tales he weaves are equally poignant.”  “I did stay in the Khumbu region for six months while I was working on filming documentaries. Staying there, I got a chance to take a close peek at the rites and rituals of the Sherpa community,” said author Pandey, speaking during the event; “which left an indelible impression upon me; that very impression is what has culminated in the form of a novel. I am glad in this regard that I am putting out a work after long about the Sherpa community, which has always fascinated me.”

Sallipir tells the story of three generations of a Sherpa community; and it encapsulates into its plot the manifold struggle the community undergoes through.

The book has been published by Fineprint Publications and is priced at Rs 348.