The Madan Puraskar Guthi has announced a shortlist for this year’s award. The shortlist includes nine books from a variety of genres—poetry, fiction, history, travellogue, and short story. 

The shortlisted books are: Guha, Guhalekh, Guhachitra Ebam Anya Sampada, by Purushottam Lochan Shrestha; Chhaughar, by Raj Sargam; Tapan, by Sharad Poudel; Doha ko Sidha Udaan, by Jaya Chhanchha; Dhritarastra, by Ghanashyam Kandel; Pratinaayak, by Hari Adhikari; Ma Stri arthat Aaimai, by Seema Aavaas; Shukra Rak Shastri ko Chasma, by Rajendra Parajuli; and Sagarmathako Gahiraai, by Nawaraj Parajuli.  The shortlist, endorsed by the chair of the Guthi Kunda Dixit, was shortlisted from a total of 195 applications. 

Madan Puraskar, considered one of the most prestigious literary awards in Nepal, was established by Jagadamba Kumari Devi in memory of her late husband General Madan Shumsher JBR, on September 26, 1955. Each year the Guthi presents the illustrious award to one outstanding book along with a cash purse of Rs 200, 000.

Previous recipients of the award include noted literary figues such as Satymohan Joshi, Parijat, and Sharu Bhakta, among others. 

Last year, the award was conferred to the book Aina by Ram Lal Joshi. 

The Guthi also hands out the Jagadamba Shree Puraskar to a literary figure for their lifetime contribution in the field of Nepali literature. The awards will be announced on the day of Ghatasthapana, the first day of Dashain.