Parijat (1937–1993), born as Bishnu Kumari Waiba, is one of Nepal’s most celebrated novelists and poets. She rose to literary fame with her award-winning novel “Shirish Ko Phool” (The Blue Mimosa), a masterpiece that redefined modern Nepali literature. Parijat’s writing is deeply emotional, philosophical, and bold—centered around themes of existentialism, feminism, and inner turmoil.

She is remembered as the first woman to win the Madan Puraskar, Nepal’s most prestigious literary award, and remains a powerful symbol of female empowerment, social justice, and literary rebellion in the Himalayan nation.

Early Life and Background

• Real Name: Bishnu Kumari Waiba

• Pen Name: Parijat

• Birth: 1937, Darjeeling, India

• Ethnicity: Nepali (Tamang origin)

• Education:

  • Early schooling in Darjeeling

  • Later moved to Kathmandu, Nepal

  • Studied at Padma Kanya College

Parijat suffered from paralysis in her youth, which left her physically disabled for most of her life. Despite this, she developed a deep connection with the written word and turned her pain into poetry and power.

Literary Career and Major Themes

Parijat’s works span across:

• Novels

• Poetry

• Short stories

• Essays

Core Themes in Her Writing:

• Feminism and the female psyche

• Emotional alienation and existential despair

• Critique of war and violence

• Rebellion against patriarchy and social injustice

• Inner conflict and psychological depth

She emerged as a feminist icon in a deeply patriarchal society and created space for introspective, sensitive narratives rarely explored in Nepali literature before her.

Notable Works by Parijat

 Shirish Ko Phool (The Blue Mimosa)

• Published: 1965

• Award: Madan Puraskar (1965)

• Synopsis: The novel follows Sakambari, a mysterious and philosophical woman, and Suyogbir, a cynical war veteran. Through minimalistic prose, Parijat explores themes of war trauma, love, and spiritual disillusionment.

• Considered one of the greatest Nepali novels of all time.

 Other Notable Works:

• Anido Pahadsangai (With the Dry Hills) – Poetry

• Baisalu Bartaman (Tender Present) – Short stories

• Akansha – Novel

• Parijatka Kavita – Collection of poems

• Mahattahin – Novel

• Pagal Basti – Psychological fiction

• Sadak Ra Prashna – Essays on social issues

Awards and Recognition

• Madan Puraskar (1965) – For Shirish Ko Phool

• Widely recognized as the first female voice of modern Nepali literature

• Her work has been translated into English, Hindi, Russian, and other languages

• Her home is now a literary museum in Kathmandu

Parijat’s Role in Feminism and Activism

Despite being physically disabled, Parijat was deeply engaged in political activism, particularly in:

• Feminist movements in Nepal

• Anti-war advocacy (especially post-World War II narratives)

• Social justice and prisoners’ rights

• Founded Prisoners’ Assistance Mission, supporting prison reform

She often critiqued both patriarchy and conservative leftist ideologies, advocating for individual freedom, equality, and expression.

Interesting Facts About Parijat

• Parijat began writing poetry in her early teens and adopted her pen name in homage to the Parijat flower (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis).

• Her life and works are widely taught in Nepali school and university curricula.

• She lived an austere, reclusive life, focused entirely on reading, writing, and causes she believed in.

• Shirish Ko Phool was adapted into a play and translated into multiple languages, making it one of the most internationally recognized Nepali novels.

Death and Legacy

• Died: April 17, 1993 (4 Baisakh 2050 BS), Kathmandu, Nepal

• Her death marked the end of a transformative literary era in Nepal

• Remembered as a symbol of courage, creativity, and consciousness

Memorials:

• Annual Parijat Memorial Day observed by literary organizations

• Statues and plaques commemorate her contribution to Nepali literature

• Her residence in Dillibazaar, Kathmandu, is maintained as Parijat Smriti Kendra (Memorial Center)

Conclusion: Why Parijat Still Matters

Parijat’s contribution to Nepali literature goes beyond storytelling—she redefined what it meant to be a woman, a thinker, and a creator in Nepal’s literary space. Her fearless voice broke boundaries of gender, genre, and geography. Today, she remains a guiding light for writers, activists, and readers seeking truth in a world full of contradictions.

Whether you’re a student of Nepali literature, a feminist scholar, or simply a lover of poetic prose, Parijat’s works are essential reading.