Kathmandu:

Music connects hearts and there is no medium more powerful than music to make an impact on a human soul. And it will not be wrong to say that not only human-to-human relationship, connection between human and god can be defined and expressed best through music.

To deepen this bond, the Embassy of India in collaboration with BP Koirala Nepal-India Foundation has come up with a daylong Bhakti Sangeet Utsav on February 3 at Pashupatinath temple premises. The event is managed by Kaal Bhairav. Veteran artistes from India and Nepal will be performing then.

The doyens of devotional music Sharma Bandhus will be weaving their magic. They — Gopal, Shukdev, Kaushlendra and Raghvendra — are in a class of their own by virtue of the masterly blend of classical music with devotion and popular appeal. Their famous exposition and narration of Ram Katha and bhajans of famous poets like Surdas, Tulsidas, Meera, Kabir and others has reached millions.

Our own artistes— Guru Dev Kamat, Batuk Raj Mishra, Narendra Pyasi and Ishwor Amatya will be performing at the event. Satya Raj Acharya and Swaroop Raj Acharya will be performing as guest artists.

Kamat said, “This type of programme should be held time to time as it helps in the religious and spiritual development of a person. At this stage in time, when most of us are busy promoting Western influenced music, I am happy that such a programme is being held.”

Pyaasi believes music does not have an age bar, so one should not say that bhajans are only for the elderly, even youngsters will enjoy it if it is presented in a youth-appealing way. “I am very happy that we are getting the opportunity to sing with veteran Indian musicians, and we will be doing our best to give the devotees our best performance.”

Maharaj said, “The origin of both Nepali and Hindi music is same and both the countries share similar cultures and traditions, so it will not be a surprise to find similarities in our music. ”

One of the guest performers Satya Raj said, “We are really excited to share the stage with senior artistes from both countries. It is our good fortune. Our father has been honoured as Bhajan Shiromani, so I think we should do something in this area of music. We hope even the youngsters will attend the function.”

The Bhakti Sangeet Utsav is divided into two sessions. The morning session will begin at 10:00 am, and the next at 2:00 pm. Entry is free, so all are welcome.