New York, June 22, 2025
Nepali poet Rajan Maharjan’s debut English-language poetry collection, Ode to Yala, was officially launched at a literary event in Queens, New York.
Published by Nirala Publications, New Delhi, the collection comprises 23 poems—both long and short—honoring the poet’s birthplace, Yala (Patan), the historic city nestled in the heart of the Kathmandu Valley. Rich in imagery and cultural depth, the book offers a lyrical tribute to the poet’s roots while reflecting his experience of life in the diaspora.
The launch was an intimate, family-centered occasion, with the book formally unveiled by the Himalayan poet Yuyutsu Sharma, alongside Maharjan’s four-year-old daughter Arlani, his wife Asmita, and his in-laws, Amrit Man Maharjan and Meena Maharjan.
Addressing the gathering, Maharjan expressed his joy in being able to celebrate his native city through poetry and extended heartfelt thanks to the Nepali community in New York for their warm presence and support.
Speaking at the event, Yuyutsu Sharma emphasized the cultural and literary significance of Ode to Yala in the broader context of English-language writing emerging from Nepal. He praised Maharjan for crafting a vivid and emotionally resonant body of work: “In Ode to Yala,” Sharma said, “Maharjan cements his voice as a poet of both longing and discovery, embracing the duality of exile and belonging.”
The program also featured greetings and reflections from members of the International Nepali Literary Society (INLS), including Gita Khatri, Jyoti Poudel, Laxmi Shrestha, and Rajendra Shrestha. Additional speakers included Ananda Shrestha, Gobind Koirala, Tulasi Chitrakar, and Nepalbhasa poet Amrit Man Ja, all of whom praised the poet’s contribution to diasporic literature. Nadia Libang, Badri Poudel, Ram Khatri and many other Nepali community membersand representatives from various cultural and literary organizations in New York were present in the event, making it a memorable celebration of poetry and identity.
The event was organized by Nirala Publications in collaboration with local partners and supported by the venue, Foodmandu. Ode to Yala is currently available on Amazon, Flipkart, and Daraz, and will be stocked in leading bookstores across Nepal and internationally in the coming weeks.
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