Inaugural Edition of Shangri La Sambad completed

Kathmandu – On Saturday, the inaugural dialogue of the Shangri‑la Literature Festival debuted at Moksh Bar, Jhamsikhel, marking the launch of its monthly series titled Shangri‑la Sambad.

The dialogue was formally inaugurated by Tulasi Diwasa, eminent poet and folklore expert, and Ramesh Kshitij, distinguished poet and lyricist. Ken Subedi, festival director, welcomed guests and shared the vision:

“Kathmandu Shangrila Foundation, a non‑profit, will host monthly dialogue events with community support. Shangri‑la Sambad is envisioned as a platform for literature-based activities—book launches, writing workshops, and critical discussions.”

Following the keynote conversation between Tulasi Diwasa and Ramesh Kshitij—who explored Diwasa’s literary journey and his cultural contributions—twelve poets took the stage for readings. Avinash Shrestha’s “O! Shatrupa” opened the recitations, followed by works from Shailendra Sakar, Shrawan Mukarung, Shakuntala Joshi, Geeta Tripathi, Tanka Upreti, Jyoti Jungle, Bina Thing Tamang, Sabita Gautam Dahal, Deepak Sapkota, Avaya Shrestha, and Bimala Tumkhewa. 

Particularly notable were Sabita Gautam Dahal’s “Baachneharu” and Shakuntala Joshi’s extended poem “Barko Bot”, which deeply engaged the audience with their lyrical depth.

The dialogue concluded with remarks by festival chairman Aryak Baral, who expressed gratitude to the poets and literary figures and reaffirmed the festival’s commitment to hosting future monthly dialogues, with the next event scheduled for the last week of August