Celebrating our heritage

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMADNU: Let’s begin with a cliché: Nepal is a culturally rich country! This sentence is mentioned as ‘cliché’ because nobody takes it seriously. In the sense that everybody knows it, yet they choose to ignore it. People always want something new and the things that are evident remain a cliché, only to be frowned upon.

But it’s not the same with The Premiere Events as they organised an event called ‘Heritage Night’ on April 27. Everything about the event lived up to the Nepali essence. Having mentioned that how can it start on time? Of course, it would have been a shame if the programme started on time. Nonetheless, when it did begin, all the complaints — to an extent — disappeared when Nayan Band started their musical performance with Sal Ko Paat. Thereafter, other pieces that followed were their self-composed numbers a fusion called Dhumru and The Northern Camp. Also popular Newari dhun Holiya Mela and other pieces like Le Kali, Chaati Ma Mero Yo Choto Bhoto were performed. The band used instruments like sarangi, maadal and flute. Everyone was cheering for and applauding the band, where one member of the audience mentioned, “They are unbelievable and really good.”

After Nayan Band, three generations of dancers swayed to Newari music with a traditional Newari dance. As their performance ended, the much awaited band Kutumba played their melody using traditional Nepali instruments with their composition called Freedom, based on Nepali politics.

The people had gathered near the stage, they forgot where they were, they sat on the floor, climbed the walls, occupied any seat possible and were mesmerised by the night. This was an event that gathered a diverse crowd and literally showed an example of ‘music is a universal language’. “It’s amazing what Kutumba does, I am speechless,” said Marie Jason, one of the audience.

In one corner of the venue, there were a few pictures of Swayambhu, Patan Durbar Square dating back to 11th to 18th century , Tudikhel, 19th century, Ghantaghar, the one before the earthquake of 1934, Bhaktapur of early 17th century... Looking at the pictures all you could think was about the yesteryear and at that moment you perhaps would do anything just to witness that period with your own eyes.