KATHMANDU: The 141st birth anniversary of Mahaguru Phalgunanda Lingden, the great preacher of the Kirat religion, is being celebrated today with various programmes.

Mahaguru Phalgunanda was born in an ordinary family in Ilam on Kattik 25, 1942 BS. He has made a significant contribution to the Kirat community, language, script, traditions, culture, and social reform.

The Mahaguru had also formulated guidelines for social reform. This is called the Satya Dharma Charter. It was issued on 24 Baisakh 1988 BS.

Phalgunanda, who had made a significant contribution for reform of the Kirat community by also formulating policies, passed away in 2005 BS.

Acknowledging his contribution to the reform of the Kirat community, the government declared him a national luminary on 16th Mangsir 2066 (December 1, 2009).

Honouring his contribution, Phalgunanda Jayanti is celebrated in the districts of the eastern hills where the Kirati community resides, including Taplejung, Tehrathum, Panchthar, Ilam, and Jhapa.

Chandrakumar Sherma, President of the Kirat Astrological Association, informed RSS that the Kirat community also celebrates the Mahaguru Phalgunanda Jayanti in the capital with various programmes.

Koshi Province Chief Minister extends Mahaguru Phalgunanda Jayanti best wishes

On the occasion of the Mahaguru Phalgunanda Jayanti today, Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Hikmat Kumar Karki, paid tribute to the Mahaguru and conveyed best wishes on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

CM Karki described Phalgunanda as a great guru of Kirat religion, a social reformer and promoter of truth, non-violence and respect for women. He stated that the teachings of non-violence, altruism and ethical lifestyle of the great sage have inspired Nepali society to move towards tolerance, unity and goodwill.

He mentioned that the contributions of the great teacher Phalgunanda, who has been involved in social reform since childhood, have played an important role in the preservation of Kirat religion, culture, and indigenous traditions.

Chief Minister Karki said that Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multilingual and multicultural country and the Koshi Province government is committed to the protection and promotion of all castes, languages, religions and cultures.