The seventh edition of Chhayachhabi Poetry Series saw poetry recitals that touched upon themes such as romance and Nepal’s socio-political context. The event saw performancesby poet Hemanta Bibas, gazalkaar Seeta Pyakurel, and the “world’s youngest director”, Saugat Bista, among others. Aside from poetry readings, the event also saw speakers offer critique on the recited works and discussion on the necessity of events of this kind.

The event started with a reading by noted poet Hemanta Bibas, who recited about a dozen of his new and old verses. The poet’s works were applauded for their noble use of language; the poet even borrowed the accent popular in the far west to read his poems. Subsequently, the gazalkaar Seeta Pyakurel, popular among a new wave of ghazal admirers, took to the stage and recited her work, most of which centred around romance, while others focused on socio-political motifs.

The event was presided by cultural expert and musician Bulu Mukarung, who spoke about the works presented at the function. “The poems stand out on their own right and it’s wonderful to have events like this, which could go on to make the literary scene more vibrant,” Mukarung said.

The event also saw recitals by the world’s youngest director Saugat Bista, who for his debut directorial Love You Baba (2014) was noted by the Guiness World Records as the “youngest director of a professionally made feature length film”.

Speaking at the event, litterateur and coordinator of the event Rashmi Rodan said that the organisers aim to further develop the event as a platform for literature, music and cinema. While lyricist Shantipriya, who is the chairperson of the organisers Chhayachhabi Creations, said that literature, music and films are like the pages of the same book, so the organisers aim to develop the event as a holistic cultural platform.