Music

Badri-Durga Kharel arrive for July Paleti

July 15, 2008/Kathmandu

Badri & Durga Kharel, the noted composer/singer duo from Darjeeling will be performing in nepa~laya's Paleti series to be held on its mini theatre 'r'-shala on Friday-July 25, 2008.

They were inclined towards music as their parents Indra Lal Kharel and Bishnu Maya Kharel were in to music who sang Folk, Bhajans and Sangini. Badri Durga would chant Ramayan since they were in 4th standard which was taught to them by Furba Tamang. Bhanu Jayanti functions in Darjeeling would not be complete without their participation. Noticing Badri Durga's keen interest in music, their parents enrolled them in Kala Mandir where they got to learn from maestro Gopal Yonjan..

They continued practicing music as a team and learnt classical music from Utpal Basu. Badri looks after the rhythm and Durga takes care of melody, thus, creating a perfect harmony. They are known for their popular numbers "Bolaun Bhane Timi Lai Baat Lagne Darr", "Banki Pareki Maya Banki Pareki", "Aye Dhaka Topima Hera" to name a few.

Durga is a lawyer by profession and Badri is into Government services. In their late fifties, they have never separated till date and have become a perfect example of brother in arms. They stay together, have married siblings. The beauty of brotherhood reflects in their composition and singing as well. They will be spreading the message of the same brotherhood in July Paleti. 

Although they have visited Nepal couple of times as a part of musical troupe, this will be their first ever solo concert.
"We are very excited and take it as our acid test. We know that we have to live up to the expectation and prepared ourselves for it ",
The cheerful brothers said while practicing with the musicians. The songs vary from deep, thought provoking semi classical to Folk based peppy numbers.

nepa~laya has been organizing Paleti series since last four years in its mini theatre 'r'-sala where noted artistes practicing the genre of Nepali contemporary music from Nepal and India have performed.

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Mesmerized by Meera's Melody

June 28, 2008 / Kathmandu

A graduate in classical music, Meera Thapa from Digboi -Assam, captivated the audience at nepa~laya's 'r' sala on 27 June, Friday evening. Most of the songs she presented were penned by veteran lyricist Hari Bhakta Katuwal when he was in Assam. Those unheard gems were the major attraction.

Meera Thapa started from "Yo desh ko maato", a patriotic number. Her trained vocals mingled with Bengali melody created a rapport with the audience from the beginning. She continued the magic with "Kasle mero baatoma", "Pahad jasto man bhitra", "Timi mero ankha ma", "Yo sheesha ko jindagi" and "Bolnechha koilee" to name a few. She also presented a Bengali and Assamese number which created a different ambience in 'r' sala.

"I was apprehensive since it was my first ever solo performance. But the tremendous affection and response from the audience made me feel at ease. I felt I was singing amongst my family members", said a jubilant 53 years old Meera after the show.

"I feel privileged to be able to perform in Nepal. It was an unforgettable experience for me and I will cherish the memory for ever," She continued.

Veteran singer Phatteman said,
"We should appreciate her love for Nepali songs and music."

Although Meera Thapa is a relatively unknown name in Nepal, all the tickets were sold in advance. The coordinator of Paleti, aavaas said,
"It feels good to see - our attempt to re-introduce Nepali adhunik music gaining support from music lovers. Our main aim has always been to present artistes within and beyond borders, who have contributed towards Nepali contemporary music."
 
nepa~laya has been organizing Paleti series every last Friday of the Gregorian calendar at its mini theatre 'r' sala since 2005. 

Badri Durga Kharel of "Bolaun bhane timi lai baat lagne darr" fame from Darjeeling will be presented in July 2008 Paleti.

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Meera Thapa from Assam arrives for June Paleti

Meera Thapa, an active music artiste from Digboi, Assam has arrived in Kathmandu to perform in nepa~laya's monthly musical concert Paleti on June 27, 2008.

Meera Thapa was raised in a musical atmosphere in Digboi, Gohati as her father Lila Ram Rana was a singer in Gohati Radio. She was exposed to Rabindra Sangeet and started singing Hindi and Assamese songs as well. Later on she graduated in classical singing.

Haribhakta Katuwal and Bhabilal Lamichhane inspired her to take up Nepali contemporary modern music. Principal of Jarda Primary School in Gohati, Meera teaches Nepali and Bengali. She has been active for the promotion of Nepali music in Assam and surrounding areas.

Practicing for her show with the musicians, Meera says,
"I am thankful towards Paleti for providing me with this opportunity. I am very excited. I feel that I have been rewarded today for learning music from early childhood."

Coordinator of Paleti, Aavaas says,
"We will be listening to some unheard songs penned by Hari Bhakta Katuwal, which will be a pleasant attraction of this Paleti."

nepa~laya has been organizing a close rendezvous with various noted music artistes of Nepal and India since past four years in its mini theatre 'r'-sala.

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Memorable Paleti with Kumar Subba

31st May 2008, Kathmandu

Kumar Subba, the Darjeeling based veteran singer of Nepali Adhunik made Paleti concert memorable at nepa~laya's 'r' sala on 30th of May 2008.  Subba, a close associate of Gopal Yonjan rendered unheard compositions of the wizard from his collection, which was the major attraction of Paleti this time. He surprised the audience with same charm and quality in his singing which he had four decades back.

Accompanied by his musician colleague Chandan Lomjel, Subba captivated the audience from the very first song, "Tara Haru Jhilmil Gardai." He continued the magic by remembering lyricist Ishwor Balav with "Pahad Ajhai Sukeko Chhaina." It was followed by  Gopal Yonjan's "Tara Jadeko Aakash", "Birsiera Gae Pani", "Tero Maya Ke Lagchha", "Meri Rani", "Aja Samma Jasari" and "Ankha Dekhi Chihai Rahen" to name a few. 
 
"Though I know Yonjan since 1966, it really was a treat to the ears and I was happy to be an audience to such beautiful and unheard melodies of Gopal Yonjan", said noted artiste Bhim Birag, who was mesmerized by Subba's singing.

Kumar Subba added colour to the enchanting evening with other compositions by himself, Shanti Thatal, Dibya Khaling and Durga Kharel. Audience wanted to hear his four decades old classics like "Sarangi Ko Taar" and "Sambhal Pachheuree", which the humble singer obliged with.

Most of the audience including poet Manjul had tears in their eyes when Subba sang "Peer Bisako Hoina", a melancholic song expressing the woes of a soldier in war front. They all hummed with Subba when he rendered his classic "He  Phool Chundera"

"The audience wanted more of Kumar Dai even after two days of Paleti in May 2006. We are happy to have him for the second time", said Aavaas the coordinator of Paleti.

Still actively practising music, Kumar Subba said,
"I always enjoy singing in Nepal and hope I can again sing for you. Such an audience are dream come true for any singer. "

Noted music arranger Chandan Lomjel expressed his happiness to be a part of nepa~laya's mission to preserve classic Nepali songs by stalwart artistes.

nepa~ laya's Paleti concert series has featured prominent music artistes from Nepal and India  at 'r' sala since 2005.

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Kumar Subba's Paleti sold out

All the seats for Paleti with Kumar Subba on May 30, 2008 have been sold out in advance with requests for tickets still pouring in. 
Kumar Subba had earlier performed in Paleti on May 2006 for two days. Due to immense public demand he has been invited for the second time.
Subba is a renowned Nepali singer from Darjeeling and is accompanied by his musician colleague Chandan Lomjel.

"We have left no stones unturned to fulfil the listeners' expectation", Subba said rehersing at nepa~laya's 'r' -sala.

He will sing some unheard compositions as well as his evergreen classics.

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Kumar Subba Arrives For May Paleti

Kumar Subba, the Darjeeling based veteran singer of Nepali Adhunik has arrived in Kathmandu to prepare for his Paleti concert scheduled for the 30th of May 2008.

This is Subba's second performance in Paleti. He had enthralled the audience in 2006 May along with music composer Karma Yonjan. This time he is accompanied by Darjeeling based music stalwart Chandan Lomjel.

Kumar Subba is still remembered for his timeless classics like "He Phool Chundera Lane Ho", "Deurali Ka Thiti Ho", "Sarangi Ko Tarle", "Mero Sano Muralima" and "Samhala Pachheuri Tyo" to name a few.

"I am delighted to be back in Paleti and will try to entertain the audience with my songs," said humble and softspoken Kumar dai, who is busy practising with the musicians at nepa~laya's 'r' sala.



Kumar Subba and Chandan Lomjel (R) rehersing at 'r' sala

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Maha Prasad Gurung makes an impression

April 25, 2008
Audience at nepa~laya's auditorium r-shala, witnessed a phoenix rising from its ashes, flutter its wings and score the sky. In Paleti, musical evening held every English month end, MP Gurung, a Nepali singer from Shillong captivated the connoisseurs of music for almost two hours.

MP displayed an amazing spirit at the age of 62 while he rendered 16 songs in his melodious voice. MP was singing after a silence of almost four decades.
"Music took backseat when I joined the civil services in 1965. I never thought I would be singing again. I am thankful towards nepa~laya for providing me this opportunity."

It was indeed a treat to the ears to listen to his nostalgic notes. MP, who believes that music in recent times has lost its soul, presented his old numbers. Apart from his own, compositions by Ambar Gurung and Dharma Raj thapa served as the icing in the cake. 

Namita Singh, Lecturer, attending Paleti for the first time, said she was surprised by Gurung's spirit.
"I have learnt a lesson from him that it is never too late in life to learn or perform."

Neap~laya has been organizing the musical rendezvous, Paleti since last 4 years. Noted Nepali singers from Nepal and India have been featured in Paleti.
"We have tried to present Nepali singers from north East India in 2008 series" Informed Aavaas, the coordinator of the program.

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Paleti artist for April – Maha Prashad Gurung arrives from Shillong

Maha Prashad Gurung, has arrived in Kathmandu to sit and sing at the April Paleti show.
Maha Prasahd, 60 is a dedicated singer – composer who is based in Shillong – a north eastern state of India, where a considerable population of Nepali origin resides.

Maha Prashad (MP) Gurung originates from Lamjung – a central Nepali district. His father had migrated to Shillong from Lamjung as a recruit in the Indian Army. Maha Prashad was born and raised in Shillong.

"My initial inclination to music could have started with my mother, who used to sing Mitra Sen songs with a harmonium. I was introduced to the keys of the harmonium by my mother." MP recalls in nostalgia.

With the formation of Nepali Art and Music Committee in Shillong in 1965, MP's passion for music accelerated.
"When I heard Dharma Raj Thapa in Shillong in 1957, my realization of being a Nepali awakened. I then joined his tour to Assam, Gohati, Tejpur and surrounding areas. He taught me various songs and made me sing. He has remained my source of inspiration," MP recalls.

During early 60s MP recorded various songs for All India Radio, Gohati.  MP was invited by Nepal Government in 1965 for a performance, when he recalls meeting Natikaji, Narayan Gopal and Premdhoj. He had then recorded a duet with Aruna Lama in the studios of Radio Nepal and also recalls accompanying Amber Gurung during his tour to Nagaland in 1966.

MP entered the civil services in 1965, and with his first salary he brought home a harmonium, which he has carefully preserved till date. The hectic schedules of his job somehow detached him from active music till Aavaas, the coordinator of Paleti met him convinced him to perform at Paleti.
 
"I am feeling rejuvenated but I hope my vocal and stamina will support my enthusiasm. There has been a huge gap since my last performance and I sincerely hope that I will get accepted by the audience. "
 
Come 25th April, MP will be singing after almost forty year at nepa~laya's r-sala.

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Spellbound by Shantanu

Nepalaya's r-shala was in a hypnotic spell when Shantanu Kumar Limbu presented 16 different songs in his melodious and deep voice. The well acclaimed singer from Manipur, Imphal captured the audience right from the opening song "Jaaga jaaga Nepali."
Limbu, in his fifties was exuberant as he further sang a mixture of romantic, folk, ghazals, Assamese and Manipuri songs like "Jhyal ma Basera", "Mangshir Ko Jhulke Gham", "Maadal Gamkiyo", and "Triveni Mela" to name a few. Bhupen Hajarika's "Biu To Liloy Ahilya", an Assamese number was a treat to the ears. Meena Niraula accompanied him in "Nokhidara" a Manipuri number which was also well appreciated by the audience.

Although listening to him for the first time, the audience immensely enjoyed them as his songs had flavor of Nepali folk and contemporary music. Most of the songs had simple yet catchy lyrical expressions. Limbu had taken a back seat after demise of his lyricist friend Padma Bahadur Rai few years back. Singer, composer and Paleti's coordinator Aavaas met him in Kanglatumbi, Manipur and convinced him to sing in Paleti.

"We have been inviting those artistes who, have been contributing to Nepali culture, music and language despite living outside Nepal." He said.

Shantanu surprised the audience with Bachhu Kailash's "Birseko Bhae Biteko Kura," and Narayan Gopal's "Aankha Chhopi Narou."

"I am a great admirer of these two singers and this is my respect for them," Shantanu said.

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Shantanu Kumar Limbu Arrives For February 2008 Paleti

Updated February 20, 2008, 1:17 PM

He has been singing since last 40 years. Though he lives in Manipur,he has been singing mostly Nepali songs. His compositions have flavors of  Nepali folk and contemporary music. He is Shantanu Kumar Limbu. Though many people in Nepal have not heard him, but the beauty of his compositions are, even when you hear his songs for the first time, you will feel that you have been hearing them forever.

A well known and reputed singer from Manipur, Imphal, Mr. Shantanu Kumar Limbu arrived in Kathmandu for February 08's Paleti. Mr. Limbu has been singing mainly Nepali songs apart from Assamese and Manipuri for Manipur Doordarshan and feature films.

He is currently practising with the musicians at Nepa~laya's R-Shala where he will be performing on 29th of February.

"I felt that I am amongst my family here," He expressed cheerfully. A man of jolly nature, Limbu further said,

"I am thankful that you have given me this opportunity. Since I happen to be the first one to represent that region, I will leave no stones unturned to make it a memorable evening."

Shantanu Kumar Limbu will be singing melodious romantic songs as well as some ghazals and awareness song.

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Nepali Press Release

English Press Release

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Prem Dhoj Pradhan performs solo after 41 years

Veteran singer Prem Dhoj Pradhan mesmerized the audience with his voice, when he rendered 18 of his evergreen songs in the Paleti Series at Nepalaya's r-sala on friday. The evening started with "Maya Namara Mayalu" which happens to be the first recorded song of the maestro. Pradhan, 72 sounded amazingly vibrant and energetic while singing as his fingers floated on the keys of the harmonium.

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Nepathya @ Jiri

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Nepathya Rocks Trisuli

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Nepathya @ Trisuli

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Rock and Patriotism @ Besi Sahar

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Nepathya in its hometown

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Rocking Resunga Phedi

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Nepathya @ Tamghas

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Nepathya's First Time at Sandhikharka

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Nepathya @ Sandhikharka

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Surkhet Enjoys Dancing to Folk Rock

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Nepathya @ Surkhet

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Far west Nepali Children Welcome Nepathya

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Nepathya in Far West

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Nepathya Tour enters the west

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Nepathya in Butwal

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Hetaunda Dances to Song Tunes

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Nepathya reaches Hetaunda

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Lahan Dances with Nepathya

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Voices of Brotherhood in Nepathya Tour

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Nepathya @ Dhankuta

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Nepathya @ Damak

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Nepathya reaches Purwanchal

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Nepathya Tour 2063 Begins at Narayanghat

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Nepathya @ Narayanghat

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Nepathya to tour the Nation

Nepal's leading folk rock band – Nepathya is all set to tour the Nation again. This time they will be touring to 15 places during a span of 40 straight days.
"It feels great to be reaching to our fans and well wishers around the country again. Nepal beyond Kathmandu has always been dear to me," says Amrit Gurung – the front man / lead vocalist of the Band.

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Hiranya Bhojpure At Paleti

Hiranya Bhojpure is a popular name in the Nepali music sector. Hiranya Bhojpure's musical career began from Lekali. Hiranya Bhojpure is established as a singer, musician as well as a writer in the group. Many of Hiranya's creations have come from his association with Lekali.

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Pema Lama to perform at paleti

Pema Lama is a popular name in the field of Nepali music. Born in March, 1955 in Lebong, Darjeeling, Pema's singing journey began at the tender age of 8. Trained by Nepali and Bengoli Gurus, Pema has lent his melodious voice to modern songs along with films--paralko aago (1976), Bachnachaneharu (1982), Arko Janma (1983) and Zaar (1984) and plays and cantata.

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Nepathya to perform at India Social Forum

Nepathya has been invited by India Social Forum to perform at the closing of this year's meet in New Delhi on the 13th of Nov.The Indian chapter of World Social Forum – India Social Forum is happening in New Delhi. It started on 9th and will go on till 13th of November 2006. The main theme for this year's meet is – Asia Africa Solidarity. 

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Prakash Gurung at Paleti

A popular figure of the Nepali music sector, Prakash Gurung is an artist who enjoys originality in singing as well. Gurung has been a creative artist in the modern Nepali music sector since four decades back.

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Aavaas at the Garden of Dreams

The musical magic of Aavaas is to come alive at the Garden of Dreams this 20th October evening. nepa~laya, the management company of this seasoned performer is incorporating this event as part of the opening festivity of the Garden of Dreams at Kaiser Mahal in Kathmandu.

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Paleti to Feature Dawa Gyalmo

Well known for her singles likes – Sahar Bhitra Ke ko Halla and duets with Daisy Baraily like Baduli Lagyo…, Gyalmo does have a lot more musical treasure to share with the Paleti audience. She has served the art field for more than 30 years now. A simple and humble looking Gyalmo carries with her a talent that reaches depth to satisfy any critiques.

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Ganesh Rasik to perform at the August Paleti

Ganesh Rasik is a well-known figure in the Nepali music scene. Ganesh Rasik is a musician of the 'Ralfa' era. Before becoming a part of 'Ralfa', Rasik was more into writing then in music. However, 'Ralfa' made him inseparable to music. 

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Nepathya For All

August 7, Russian Cultural Centre, Kathmandu and one got to see this scene enacted live on stage (perhaps for the first time in Nepal) for the hearing- and visually-impaired at the fourth of the Nepathya for All series organised by nepa~laya in association with the Finnish embassy. The students were from various schools and organisations around town.

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Mani Kamal Chetri arrives to sing at coming Paleti

Renowned composer of Nepali Adhunik – Mani Kamal Chetri has arrived in Kathmandu to perform for the Paleti Concert Series scheduled to be staged at nepa~laya's 'r' sala on 28th of July 2006. Chetri is a Darjeeling based musician.

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Nepathya wraps up Finland Tour at Gloria Theatre

Nepathya which has been in Finland for a series of shows wrapped up the tour with yet another successful show at Gloria Theatre situated in downtown Helsinki. Nepathya was invited by the organisers of the World Village Festival as the main performer and had delivered a successful performance at the festival on the 28th of May.

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Nepathya performs at Maailma Kylassa

Nepathya, finally performed to a packed audience at the Savannah Stage of the World Village Festival today. Nepathya was allotted 45 minutes for performance, but due to demand from the crowd, the Master of Ceremony of the show had to call back the band to sing one more number. The show started at 3:00 PM local time here and went on till 3:55 – during which, Nepathya performed 10 songs.

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Amrit meets the Finnish President

Amrit Gurung the front man of Nepalese folk–rock Band – Nepathya, today met the Finnish President, Mrs. Tarja Halonen at the World Village Festival (Maailma Kylasaa). During a short conversation – the Finnish President expressed curiosity over Nepal's situation.

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Nepathya reaches Finland

After a close to 24 hour travel from Kathmandu, Nepathya arrived in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. They are scheduled to perform at The Savnnah Stage of the World Village Festival on the 28th of May. Prior to this, Nepathya is also scheduled to perform at Tampere (170 km north to Helsinki) and Hyvinkaa. Both shows are out door and open to public on the 25th of May.

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Kumar Subba – Karma Yonzon arrives to perform at Paleti

Paleti with Kumar Subba and Karma Yonzon is scheduled for Friday, the 26th of May. Due to public demand the organisers has already added a show for Saturday as well.

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Nepathya to perform at World Village Festival in Finland

Nepathya – the Nepali folk-rock band is set to leave for Finland tomorrow (22nd May) to participate at the World Village Festival. World Vilage Festival is an annual event organised by KEPA (Finnish Centre for Development Cooperation) with an aim to promote development aid work and thus raise people's awareness and willingness to support development.

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Ibsen Celebration in Nepal

An international centennial commemoration of the famous playwright Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) is being marked all over the world during 2006. The celebration is taking place in Nepal too. Various events linked with literature, art, music and even fun sports is being organised here by the Norwegian Embassy to mark the celebration.

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Nepathya in Antrepwen

For more than 500 audience present at the Arenberg Auditorium in Antwerpen, it was moment of mixed affairs.The show which started with the showing of nepathya videos – 'Samsajhaima' and 'Yo Zindagani' made the audience sentimental. With the music video 'Sa Karnali' it was a fun moment to realize the beauty of the home nation.

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Nepathya makes Debut Performance in Europe

Nepathya – the Nepalese Folk – Rock band which is currently on a tour in Europe made its debut European performance at the Himalayan Film Festival on the 4th of November 2005. The audience consisted of Dutch people having interest in the Himalayan issues, delegate film makers from various countries and Nepalese residing in The Netherlands.

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