Kathmandu :

Music knows no boundaries; it makes people of all caste, colour and religion relate to each other. An instrumental music album named Atithi is a perfect example of this.

Atithi is a folk album created by the combined efforts of Nepali and Japanese musicicians. It was launched here on December 24 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Nepal-Japan diplomatic ties.

The album is a compilation of four raagas of classical music and 10 Nepali folk tunes.

Famous Nepali artistes like Achutram Bhandari, Ram Sharan Shrestha ,Sushil Gautam, Jugal Dongol, Amrit Hira Tulkadhar and Japanese artiste Cizio Simei have contributed to this album.

The album is named Atihi (guest) to acknowledge the warm hospitality bestowed on guests in the two countries. It has also provided an opportunity to promote Nepali folk music and instruments on the international level.

The artistes performed Raag Bhairavi, and a song called Sanguri bari ni ho tyo danda paari, made famous by late Tara Devi at the programem.

Simei, who has been learning music in Nepal, talked about her experience here, that too in Nepali.

“I am very happy that I could work on this album. I can make my friends back home listen to it,” she added. Ten per cent from the sale of the album will be donated to charity for children at risk. — HNS