HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE
Featuring music, rhythm, and Brazilian samba performances, 'Carnival De Kathmandu, the party begins' was an extravaganza. The event, hosted by Malla Hotel in association with the Embassy of Brazil, offered a beautiful night for music and dance lovers beneath an open sky and welldecorated ambience in the hotel's garden on February 17.
The show kicked off with the international dancers aka Dancing Queens from Brazil and Russia performing eye-catching and energetic samba dance to the tune of Batucada Brasileira. During the performance of the seven dancers - Olea, Toma, Cleo, Valentina, Alena, Ramona, and Margarita - the audience was seen dancing, tapping their feet to the music, and cheering.
The next performer Deeepak Bajracharya, impressed the crowd with his charm singing and jamming with the Rhythm Band. With Rojan Kayastha on acoustic guitar, Bicky Shakya on electric guitar, and Ricky Shakya on drums, Bajracharya sang Allare, Oh Amira, Ritu, Kali Kali Hissi Pareki, Jam Na Maya Jam, Maya Ko Dori Le, and Mann Magan.
The Laakhe and Jhaankri performances on stage with Bajracharya, who is known for fusing Newari cultural elements into his performances, were crucial in urging the audience to get up and dance.
Bajracharya said, "When cultural vibe is mixed with performances, it gives a festival vibe and that is how a carnival should be celebrated. It gives us a positive feeling as we present our culture and we are getting positive feedback too."
Following his performance, the Dancing Queens were back on the stage bearing a hypnotic energy that swept off all those observing on tune Favo De Mel.
Then, the heartbeat of million fans, Sabin Rai took off with a banger, performing Sutukka along with The Pharaoh featuring Binod Lama Tamang on drums, John Shrestha on guitar, and Jeevan Lama on bass. His live performance was nothing short of magical as he brought an eclectic array of songs from all genres to life.
The audience was left spellbound by his captivating vocals and emotionally-charged delivery.
He performed Ma Sansar Jitne Aat, Samrapan, Namuna, Paisa, Malai Angali Deu, Gurasha Ko Feda Muni, Timro Lagi, Jau Ki Basu, Samjhanchhu, Timinai Bhana Na, Timi Nai Hau, and Komal Tyo Timro.
The performance of Timi Nai Hau stole the show as Rai's raw emotions and heartfelt lyrics connected with audience and compelled them to sing along with him.
Last but not the least, the Dancing Queens once again showed up with rolling hip movements to the syncopated rhythms in dazzling costumes fashioned from glitter and feathers.
Their movements were an irresistible invitation to move the body and experience true euphoria.
Cleo, a dancer from Sao Paulo, Brazil, said, "The Carnival is a popular annual event in my country that happens every year. People are diverse, but they all share a passion for dancing. It concerns a form of art that depicts movement of body. Our goal here is for visitors to have a connection to our dance and culture.
Sharing our culture here in Nepal can create more positivity and social harmonies."
To this, Brazilian Ambassador Carlos Den Hartog stated, "Carnival is a traditional celebration that has been taking place in Brazil for more than 100 years. It is a famous landmark in Brazil that is known throughout the entire world. More than 5,000 to 6,000 people take part in the massive celebration, playing drums, dancing, and having fun."
Toma, another dancer from Russia, expressed, "It was a little bit cold here while dancing but the hospitality and love of the audience made us feel warm."
Meanwhile, sharing about this particular event, Kevin Ma, General Manager of the Hotel said, "We are back with Carnival de Kathmandu after a three-year hiatus caused by COVID-19 pandemic... Rio de Janeiro hosts a carnival every year from February 17 to 21. In order to promote culture, we made this event more relatable by including Nepali artistes to engage people."
A version of this article appears in the print on February 19, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
