Kathmandu:

They were scattered around in groups in the inner courtyard of the Annapurna Hotel, waiting for the classical tunes to kiss their ears. The occasion was Tuborg Rupak Memorial Musical Nite on January 26, which was being held as part of the Rupak Memorial Week celebrations organised to mark the 53rd birth anniversary of national talent FIFA referee late Rupak Raj Sharma.

It was quite some time before the artistes from Sukarma decked in traditional dress finally made it to the stage. Sukarma is an instrumental band which has travelled extensively playing and promoting a unique fusion of Nepali folk and classical music.

Sukarma started slow with the soft and smooth stirrings of sitar and soon picked up pace, and showed how classical music also rocks in its own fashion. Acharya brothers Satya and Swarup also entertained all with their melodious vocals. Apart from their hit numbers, a duet from their new album Muzik was also much appreciated.

Kutumba as usual entertained the audience with their energising instrumental numbers.

The notes of their last number Resham Firiri wafted with the aroma from the delectable buffet dinner that was laid out for the guests.

The proceeds from the programme will to towards establishing a sports library and resource centre.

The weeklong celebrations ended on January 27 with a peace rally that started from Jawalakhel ground and ended at the Rupak Memorial Foundation (RMF), Satdobato.

With deputy Speaker of Parliament as the chief guest, this 3.2 km walk was participated by former football players, sportsmen, students and teachers of RMF school, and RMF executive members.

The Rupak Memorial Week began on January 21 with the Friendship Global Writing Competition for school students. The Rupak Memorial Foundation Building and FIFA Referee Memorial House at Satdobato was inaugurated on January 24 by Speaker Subash Nembang, while the statues of four late referees Rupak Raj Sharma, Shyam Shrestha, Roshan Kumar Shrestha and linesman Hira Ratna Bajracharya were also unveiled.

On the same day an art exhibition portraying Sharma by Nepal’s renowned artists like Kiran Manandhar, Uttam Nepali, Surendra Raj Bhattrai, Vijay Thapa, Bhai Raja Maharjan, Radheshyam Mulmi. Ramesh Khanal, Gyanendra Bibas, Erina Tamrakar, Buddhi Thapa, and Rubina Sharma was also opened. The pieces had been produced during a workshop held last year.

Theatre personality Ashesh Malla was conferred the Rupak Memorial Cultural Award for his contribution in the field of Nepali art.

An all time legends football match was organised on January 25. The red team was led by former national captain Achut Kharel, while the blue team was captained by Komal Pandey.