There’s a Carnival Today is the only novel by Indra Bahadur Rai, a central figure in Nepali-language literature. Set in the mid-20th century in the hill town of Darjeeling, the novel follows the life of Janakman Yonzon, a disillusioned civil servant caught in the crosscurrents of political upheaval, personal conflict, and existential search. Through Janakman's story, Rai paints a vivid portrait of Darjeeling as a place both enchanted and restless, navigating the uncertainties of postcolonial identity.

Translated by Manjushree Thapa, the novel is rich in symbolism and subtle political commentary, capturing a time when the dreams of independence and progress clashed with emerging disillusionments. Rai's language is philosophical and lyrical, offering a layered, introspective narrative that mirrors the region’s complex history and evolving self-conception.

Why read this book:

• The only full-length novel by one of Nepal’s most celebrated modern writers

• A beautifully translated political and psychological novel set in postcolonial Darjeeling

• Offers insight into the Gorkha identity movement and regional politics through literary fiction

• Combines philosophical reflection with social realism, appealing to readers of literary and historical fiction

• A cornerstone in South Asian literary studies, especially Nepali-language literature in translation

About the Author

Indra Bahadur Rai was a major voice in modern Nepali literature and a co-founder of the Tesro Aayam movement, which sought to explore a "third dimension" in Nepali writing—blending modernism with tradition, the psychological with the political. His fiction and essays are celebrated for their intellectual depth and cultural resonance, particularly within the context of Indian Nepali and Gorkha communities. His legacy continues to influence generations of writers and thinkers.