Nepali Edition

The first authorised Nepali translation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was published by Sunbird Publishing House in May 2009. Although an unauthorised version had circulated prior, Sunbird secured the official rights in 2008, aiming to introduce the Harry Potter series to Nepali readers. A team of three translators—a senior journalist and two younger contributors familiar with the story—collaborated on the translation, which received positive critical reception for its quality.

Two editions of the Nepali translation were produced. Internally identical, one was printed on high-quality, library-grade paper intended for the schools and libraries, while the other was a more affordable version aimed at general readership printed on lightweight maplitho paper (thin Bible-paper-like stock)—the difference is clear when both editions are present. Sunbird had hoped that children in urban areas like Kathmandu, along with libraries across the country, would embrace the book. However, this vision didn’t materialise. The photograph above shows both editions of the book—this is the first time I’m aware of that they’ve both been displayed together.

Urban readers largely preferred to read the original English edition. In rural Nepal, the situation was more complex—and deeply cultural. Belief in witchcraft remains prevalent in many parts of the country, with tragic real-world consequences. Women are still at times accused of causing illness or misfortune through “witchcraft” and can be subjected to horrific punishments (being made to eat faeces being one horrendous punishment), including public humiliation, assault, or exile. In such a context, a fantasy novel centered on witches, wizards, and magical education was viewed by some with suspicion or outright rejection.

As a result, many families and schools were hesitant—if not outright unwilling—to bring the book into their homes or classrooms. In a country where Non-Governmental Organisations and social organisations are actively working to combat dangerous superstitions, a fictional story that normalised the idea of magic simply did not align with local sensitivities.

Due to this cultural disconnect and the unexpectedly poor sales, the Nepali translation didn’t make the sales they hopes to achieve.