Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu:

Perhaps, it was not the perfect time to hold an open air concert considering the low turnout at the grounds of Birendra International Conference Center comparative to estimates. However, those that did arrive waited patiently for two hours to finally watch their favourite band perform following a delay for little apparent reason.

The audience finally heaved a sigh of relief when the band members appeared onstage. Little did they know that they would now have to stand through the ritual lighting of lamps and release of pigeons, the ostensible symbol of peace, before the performance began. Organisers Kroma Media said the programme aimed, too, to send out the message of peace in the country. “We want…,” the announcer shouted. “...peace,” the audience obliged.

Karma is already an established band in the Nepalis pop circuit. But the 1,000-strong turnout was rather sparse. “We were not expecting this to happen,” said Kailash Shrestha, marketing executive of Kroma Media. “We did not want to postpone the programme anymore,” Surendra Man Singh, vocalist of the band, said. “So we went ahead.”

This was the band’s first live concert in Kathmandu although they have already performed dozens of live concerts in and outside the country. The band sang altogether 20 popular numbers from their repertoire. They have also introduced a new artiste, Laxman Shrestha, whose song “Janna ma school” from his upcoming album was liked by the audience. Raman Singh also sang two songs in the concert.