Nepali Poet Mansi Dahal Unveils Debut Collection Women in Marigold

Nepali writer Mansi Dahal is set to publish her debut poetry collection Women in Marigold on September 22, 2026, offering a powerful exploration of identity, migration, and womanhood across cultures.

The collection traces a journey from Kathmandu to New York City, reflecting the emotional tension between Dahal’s life as a daughter in Nepal and her aspirations as an artist in the United States. Through layered narratives and cultural references—from Saeeda Bai to Sylvia Plath—the book confronts displacement and belonging.

In a recent reveal of the book’s cover, Dahal emphasized her desire to present an unapologetically Nepali visual identity, challenging the underrepresentation of Nepali voices in global literature. She described navigating a “double invisibility” within both American literary spaces and broader South Asian narratives.

The cover features a photograph by Nepali artist Tirtha Lawati, symbolizing generational femininity and cultural continuity through imagery such as braided hair adorned with red thread and flowers. Dahal highlighted the importance of collaborating with Nepali creatives to amplify local artistry on an international platform.

A graduate of Columbia University’s MFA program, Dahal has previously received the Waletzky Fellowship for her work.