KATHMANDU: The dead body of Rastrakavi (National Poet) Madhav Prasad Ghimire is being cremated at Pashupati Aryaghat today.

A team of Nepal Army will offer a guard of honor for Ghimire during the performance of his funeral rites.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Ishwar Pokharel reached Ghimire’s houses in Lainchaur this morning and paid final tribute to Rastrakavi by wrapping his body with a national flag.

Other national dignitaries including the Chancellor of Nepal Academy Ganga Prasad Upreti reached Lainchaur to offer tributes to Ghimire.

Nepal Army had conferred an honorary tile of Brigadier General on Ghimire on February 14, 2018.

Renowned litterateur and poet Ghimire passed away peacefully at 5:55 pm at his own residence in Lainchaur on Tuesday.

Ghimire was born on September 23, 1918, at Pustaun Bahundanda in Lamjung.

His popular works include ‘Malati Mangale’, ‘Shakuntala’, ‘Himalwaari Himalpaari’, ‘Gauri’, among others. His last epic titled Ritambhara believed to be full of autobiographical experiences is in the last stage of publication.

Ghimire holds the title of Rastrakavi (Poet to the nation) for his contribution to the Nepali literature. He was also an Honorary Brigadier General of the Nepal Army.