KATHMANDU, March 23: Author Om Rijal has unveiled his second novel, Paikelo, at R-Sala, Publication Nepalya in Kalikasthan, gifting copies to historian Bhaweshwar Pangeni and his daughter Spriha Rijal.
Born in Dullu, Dailekh, Rijal said the novel draws inspiration from Karnali’s folk literature, language, and culture. “The oral narratives of Karnali inspired these stories. Much of what has been written about the region lacks research or understanding,” he said.
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He also highlighted the Dalit community’s role in preserving Karnali’s cultural heritage. “Without their efforts, I could neither have heard nor written the epic of Balaraja Kashiram in India, nor Paikelo,” Rijal said, warning that many of Karnali’s historical and cultural treasures, from hero pillars to oral epics, are vanishing.
Rijal delivered his 25-minute speech in Khas. Editor at the Publication Nepalaya Bimal Acharya called Paikelo “literary, culturally rich, and invaluable for understanding Nepali society, language, and history.”
A graduate in science and public administration, Rijal previously published the novel Hataru, poetry collection Yatra–Bimba, and travelogue Rudai Bagdocha Mugu Karnali. The 250-page Paikelo is priced at Rs 575 and is available nationwide, as well as online via Thuprai and Amazon.
