Nepal’s first televised spelling contest, Nepal Spell Bee, will air in Kantipur Television starting March 9, organisers have announced. The spelling bee, organised by Malin Media and Events, will have media personality, Bhusan Dahal and actor Sanjay Gupta as the spell masters.

In a statement released by the organiser, producer Mahesh Pokheral said, “We are organising this program with the hope that it will enhance the learning habits of students, as well as increase their love for the English language.”  According to Pokheral, the auditions for participants from outside Kathamandu Valley have already concluded and the audition for students from the Captial commenced this week. The total 283 students from around the country will be competing in the show.

The show which will be based on spelling, pronunciation and word formation activities will focus on students of grades nine, ten and plus two levels. The program will cover over 700 schools and colleges from 58 districts around the country. 

Organisers also announced that the winners of the contest will walk away with a cash purse of Rs 100,000, Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000, along with scholarships for further studies. 

The show will air at 9 pm every Thursday on Kantipur Television.