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Badri-Durga Kharel arrive for July Paleti

Mesmerized by Meera's Melody

Meera Thapa from Assam arrives for June Paleti

Third Edition of Palpasa Café comes with a new jacket

Memorable Paleti with Kumar Subba

Kumar Subba's Paleti sold out

What's New

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.

meera_thapa_in _paleti_for_web.jpg

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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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Third Edition of Palpasa Café comes with a new jacket

11th June 2008, Kathmandu

Journalist Narayan Wagle's debut novel Palpasa Café has come out in its 3rd edition. This edition comes with a new jacket and some correction as well and editing.

Author Wagle says,
"I have edited and fine tuned various chapters for the third edition. I am extremely happy that the novel is still stimulating the readers."

Published by nepa~laya, Palpasa Café has been a unique creation which has been appreciated by critics and common readers alike. Winner of several prestigious awards including Madan Puraskar & Aakyan Puraskar of BS 2061, it has sold more than 25,000 copies till date.

"Publication nepa~laya was launched with Palpasa Café about 3 years ago and had achieved a record of selling 5,000 copies in the first month. Since then, it has created and surpassed its own records time and again. It has been a great experience to see it grow in new forms and editions during these years." says Kiran Shrestha of publication nepa~laya. "With 25,000 already printed, our ambition now is to double this figure within a year. Plans to achieve the target are close to implementation" he adds.

"With Palpasa Café – Nepali book industry has witnessed many milestones reveal. With Palpasa Café – readership of Nepali books has grown noticeably, especially among young people."
says Anjan Shrestha of Educational Book Shop, distributors of publication nepa~laya.

Earlier this year English translation of Palpasa Café was released, which too has entered its 2nd print and edition.

A special trail student edition of Palpasa Café tagged with just 100 rupees made a recent history by selling 3000 copies in just a week, during the Book Exhibition organized few weeks back.

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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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Palpasa Café student edition sells out in 2 days

Kathmandu - May 13, 2008

The student edition of Palpasa Café has run out of print in just two days at the ongoing Book Fair. The first print run for this trial edition had been 1000 copies and the second print order of additional 2000 copies has already been placed due to immense students' demand.
"We had printed limited 1000 copies of Palpasa Café's student edition as a trial. The response to it has been extremely overwhelming. Since readers have yearned for more, we are trying to meet the demand," verifies Kiran Shrestha of nepa~laya.

As the book ran out of stock at the stalls of Education Book House, special arrangements has been made for registering advance booking of the book. Student edition of Palpasa Café will be available on the stalls of Education Book House from Wednesday, May 14th.

This trial student edition was made available at a subsidized price of Rs.100.

Author Narayan Wagly reacts,
"I am left overwhelmed with the response. I thank all the students for their response"

Palpasa Cafe originally priced at Rs.250 is a début novel by Narayan Wagle and was released in 2005. It was successful to get the Madan Puraskar and Akkhyan Purashkar for BS 2061. It has since sold 20,000 copies and has also come out in English recently under the same title.

"The response to this special trial edition has opened up the possibility of publishing the student edition of Palpasa Café for regular market sales. We are considering this possibility." says Kiran Shrestha of publication nepa~laya.

Anjan Shrestha of Education Book House says,
"Palpasa Café continues to surprise us in terms of popularity and sales."

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Third print of Ghanachakkar in the market-Sells 5000 in 7 months

May 14, 2008, Kathmandu

Sanjeeb Uprety's novel Ghanchakkar's third print is available in the market within a year of its release. Since its release in October 2007, this nepa~laya publication has already sold 5000 copies. The third print comes as a second edition of the book as there have been some editing and fine tunings from the earlier version.

Ishwor Shrestha of Educational Book House admits that there has been a considerable growth in Nepali books market and credits publication like Ghanchakkar for the same.

Sanjeev Uprety, the author of the book and a mentor with the English Faculty of Tribhuwan University says, "I was apprehensive about the response I would get since it is an unconventional and a thought- provoking book. But I am overwhelmed by the response the book has been able to generate. I thank everyone for supporting my work."

Critics have credited the book for being original and for providing a new dimension in Nepali literature.

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A People War – Nepali edition comes with 80% slash in price

7th May 2008 – Kathmandu.

The bilingual pictorial book on Nepal's decade long conflict – A People War (Ladaima Janata) is to be released as a Nepali language budget edition that will cost only Rs 500 compared to the Rs 2,500 for the bilingual hardcopy book.

The publishers, nepa~laya says this is part of its effort to make the 179 photographs of the conflict in the book accessible to as many people as possible.
"The book was expensive because we did not want to compromise on the quality, but the economics of book production is making this cheaper edition possible,” says Kiran Shrestha of publication nepa~laya.

nepa~laya had taken selected images from the book on a three-month nationwide photo exhibition tour during which more than 350,000 people in 30 venues across Nepal saw it. "Many people visiting the exhibitions wanted to buy a copy of the book, but said they couldn't afford it. I am glad the book is being released for one fifth the price. This will widen its reach,” says the book’s author, Kunda Dixit.

A People War has printed in two editions since it was released in December 2006. In addition to the copies sold, more than 4,000 books have been distributed for free to public and school libraries in nearly all the districts in Nepal.

"Considering the Nepali book market and the price A People War has done exceptionally well in terms of sales. But the demand of the book among buyers who couldn't afford the hardcopy is wide and I am confident the Nepali edition fulfil that demand," says Anjan Shrestha of Education Book House, the distributors.

The Nepali edition of the book is to be released on 10th May at the Nepal Book Fair in Bhrikuti Mandap. Education Book House will organise a signing ceremony from 2 PM-4 PM with author Kunda Dixit at the book fair.

A People War Ladainma Janata is a pictorial book containing 179 photos from 80 photographers across the country. The sleekly re-designed Nepali edition contains all the photographs as in the original but will cost only Rs 500.

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Palpasa Café now in student edition

Maha Prasad Gurung makes an impression

Paleti artist for April – Maha Prashad Gurung arrives from Shillong

Spellbound by Shantanu

Shantanu Kumar Limbu Arrives For February 2008 Paleti

Third phase of A People War - Photo Exhibition Tour

Prem Dhoj Pradhan performs solo after 41 years

A People War photo exhibition now in the West

A People War - Photo Exhibition Tour Schedule

Premdhoj Pradhan at the 1st Paleti of 2008

Palpasa Cafe English Released