Kathmandu:

Abha Ko Nepal’ a special programme for a New Nepal was organised at Dharahara on April 25. It was an amalgamation of many interesting creative events from art, music, poetry to theatre all in one place. From the Dharahara balcony senior artist Kiran Manandhar started painting, then the dhime baja was played by those from Kilagha tole which reverberated on the grounds of Dharahara announcing the commencement of the programme. It was followed by poetry recitation session. Then it was time for some delightful classical music performed by Taal School, two recitals — one by Durga Prasad Khatiwada and Jeevan Rai, the other by Sarita Mishra and Jamuna Lama. Saptak group from Nardevi then came up with their interesting Newari folk music to entertain the crowd, which was followed by another poetry recitation.

An installation art was put up by Bhola Raj Sapkota based on Bishnu Nisthuri’s book Unnais Din. Then it was time for one of the most entertaining part of the whole event, a lyrical street drama by Mithila Natyakala Parishad (MINAP), Janakpur. The play basically revolved around the theme of communal harmony and the message for people of different parts of the country to come together. Taal School then mesmerised the crowd with their performance. The last session of the poetry session began after the play which saw renowned poet Bairagi Kainla reciting his poems. Then Sukarma’s music had everyone clapping and tapping their feet to their beats.

The sound of dhime-baja indicated the end of programme had ended along with the sunset. And after a long day at the Dharahara balcony Manandhar also wrapped up his painting.

Gurukul has also kep around 29 metres of cloth near Dharahara for people to put down their views about New Nepal. According to Jeebesh Rayamajhi, communication officer, Gurukul, “The programme was organised with the message that though the revolution is over, it is not time for people to sit back and relax. Now is the time to show their creative side and take part in social responsibility through it.”

Explaining his painting Manandhar said, “As Dharahara is 62 metres in height, first it was decided we would paint that much, but I had already finished that much by noon, so it was decided that I would paint the rest of the 130 metres of cloth that had been brought. Dharahara was chosen because whenever news had to be given previously it was done from a height.”

He added, “From 2007 a lot of political changes have taken place and finally a new constitution is being made. It should be made soon which includes people of all castes, class and regions. The youth of today are very alert and if time is wasted like it was earlier, another revolution may take place. We just wanted to get this message across.” “My painting is figurative and semi-abstract which has Nepal’s scenic views, culture and people,” he said. He also expressed pride that this is the longest painting that has ever been made in the world. “My friends at Gurukul are now working to get it into the Guinness Book of World Records,” said Manandhar.

Variety in style

KATHMANDU: A one-day painting exhibition featuring various prominent artists was organised by Idea First at Imago Dei at Nagpokhari on April 26. Around 44 paintings by artists like Govinda Dongol, Tirtha Niraula, Surendra Pradhan, Krishna Gopal Ranjit, Daya Ram Palapali, Yogendra Dongol, Shoba Bajracharya and Hare Ram Joju were included in the exhibition.

Most of the creations had either Lord Ganesh or Nepali landscape. Though the paintings had similar subject matters, the distinct style of each artist made each piece different from another. The creations of Palpali depicted the typical Ason lifestyle at night and he has brilliantly used the colours to create the perfect nighttime atmosphere, while Ranjit with the use of oil colour has brought texture to the paintings.

Pradhan’s treatment of the subject was more abstract and the colour combination of pastel and bright colours has made each piece very attractive.

While talking about their very first event, co-founder of Idea First, Bikendra Shamsher Thapa said that the paintings exhibited in the event had been with J Art Gallery, which is not in operation these days. He added, “We are a group that wants to promote Nepali art and artists by organising various events. Also a part of the proceeding from this exhibition will be donated to READ Nepal.” — HNS