Phalgunanda

Mahaguru Phalgunanda (; 10 November 1885 – 4 April 1949) also known as Phalgunanda Lingden was a leader of the Kirat religion for the Kirat people of Nepal.

Early life and background Mahaguru Phalgunanda Lingden was born as Phalgu Nath Ananda on 10 November 1885 (25 Kartik 1942 B.S.) in the village of Chukchinamba Ilam district of Nepal. His parents were Jaganbaj Lingden and Hangsamati Lingden. In his young age, he served as a Nepali Gurkha soldier in the British Indian Army and fought in World War I. He spent approximately a decade in British India. After his military service, he became a spiritual leader.

Career He was known as Mahaguru (the great teacher), especially among the Limbu, Rai, Sunuwar, Yakhkha, Lohorung, Dhimal, and Jurel Kirat people. He is credited with the continuation of the ancient Kirat religion on puritan principles, which include vegetarianism, a ban on alcohol, and following Limbu traditions and scripts. He is remembered for his socio-cultural and religious messages. His main messages included calling for a ban on animal sacrifice, since it raised social expenditures on celebrations such as births, weddings, and funerals.

In 2009, in recognition of his enduring impact, the Shree Pach ko Sarkar (then Nepal Government) had declared him as a National luminary placing him alongside eminent figures in Nepali history. He is Nepal's 16th luminary of Nepal.

Legacy Phalgunanda Jayanti is celebrated widely especially in the eastern parts of Nepal and Kathmandu through an event honoring his birth anniversary. It is generally celebrated on 25th Kartik in the Nepali lunar calendar.