Kathmandu:

Abhaya and the Steam Injuns are in a real jolly mood. And, why not? They are the only rock band representing Nepal in the first-ever South Asian rock concert featuring leading bands from eight South Asian countries to be held in New Delhi, India from November 30-December 2.

The three-day music concert will have fusion bands from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, the Maldives, Bhutan and Afghanistan treating people to different musical flavours at the Central Park in Connaught Place.

What got Abhaya and Steam Injuns selected out of all rock bands here?

Explains a happy band front-person Abhaya, “Having a female vocalist is always an interesting perspective in a rock band.”

Besides, she thinks positive responses from her friends in Parikrama, one of India’s best English rock bands, may have

also helped. And yes, as much as the band is excited to perform, the members feel “we have to practice a lot.”

Nevertheless, “we are a tight team with the new band members and are determined to rock at the festival,” she says.

The festival is a SAARC initiative, specifically aimed towards the youth of the subcontinent and bringing into limelight the youthful music of the region by the most talented and the best-known groups.

Among the Indian bands performing are Advaita, Midival Punditz and Indian Ocean, Soulmate, Rahul Dixit Project and the trio — Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy. Pakistan’s Strings will be performing along with Stigmata from Sri Lanka, Norling Band from Bhutan. Bangla Folk Fusion band and Miles from Bangladesh, Zero Degree Atoll from the Maldives

and the Aryan Band from Afghanistan will also perform.

The festival is conceived and designed by Sanjeev Bhargava, artistic director of NGO Seher, in association with the Indian Council of Cultural Relations and India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Entry is free.