12Sep
2026
2026
Recent appearance
Poetry on Wheels: Poetic Traditions from Jackson Heights
Diversity Plaza · Jackson Heights, Queens · 5–9 PM
Poet · Writer · New Yorker
Between the city
we leave and the
city we carry.
Rajan Maharjan writes across Nepal Bhasa, Nepali, and English—tracing memory, migration, and the quiet gravity of home.
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Yala → Queens
Born in the Kathmandu Valley
Writing from Queens, New York
Writing from Queens, New York
01 About
A poet of two cities, writing in the space between departure and return.
Born and raised in Yala—also known as Patan—in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley, Rajan Maharjan moved to the United States in 2014. His work draws on Newa culture, local lore, and the intimate geography of a city remembered from afar.
Now based in Queens, he writes in Nepal Bhasa, Nepali, and English. His poetry explores identity, heritage, language, and belonging—making a home in the distance between worlds.
यल
Ode
to Yala
Poems
02 The book
Debut poetry collection · 2025
Ode to Yala
Ode to Yala gathers 23 poems that honor the poet's birthplace while reflecting on the experience of diaspora. Rich in cultural memory and vivid imagery, it is a lyrical journey through exile, discovery, and belonging.
“A poet of both longing and discovery, embracing the duality of exile and belonging.”— Yuyutsu Sharma
03 Events
Readings &
appearances
Poetry is made complete in the listening. Follow along for readings, conversations, and community gatherings.
More dates coming soon.
For reading invitations and appearances, get in touch below.
04 News & media
Kathmandu Tribune
Restoring the forgotten memories of Yala
A feature on place, memory, and the poetry that connects New York to the Kathmandu Valley.
Read feature ↗ The Diplomat Nepal · Jun 2025English poetry collection Ode to Yala launches in New York
Read story ↗ NepYork · Feb 2024Queensbound launches a new edition in five languages
Read story ↗ QueensboundHear poetry rooted in the neighborhoods of Queens
Explore the project ↗05 Contact
Readings · Interviews · Collaborations
Let’s begin a
conversation.
For event invitations, media inquiries, book discussions, or literary collaborations, send a note.