Basanta Festival at Durbar

In an effort to preserve culture and traditional music, Project Baja organized a traditional and classical musical event at Nasa Chuka, Mangalbazar on April 6, 2019. This event marked the first-ever musical activity held in this ancient venue, bringing together musicians, locals, activists, and well-wishers. Various traditional musical instruments like Sarodist, Khee, Madal, Dhimey, Violin, Kanta Dabdab, Dholak, and Flute were used by the participating musicians.

 

The youth members of "Lubhu MahaLakshmi Dha Baja Khala" performed traditional music dedicated to Goddess Maha Lakshmi and Maha Lakshmi Gwara, including various goddesses. Additionally, Basanta music was played based on the audience's preferences. As part of their efforts to preserve cultural and traditional music, Bipu Shrestha composed music for MAHALAKSHMI GWARA, a genre that was nearly extinct. The stage featured young artists, including Ujesh Shrestha, Manish Shrestha, Ritesh Shrestha, Prashana Shrestha, Rajesh Shrestha, Amit Shrestha, Abhishek Shrestha, Rubin Shrestha, Ranjan Shrestha, Niranjan Shrestha, Prashum Shrestha, and Sanish Shrestha, who represented Lubhu MahaLakshmi Dha Baja Khala.

During the Spring season, traditional songs known as "Basanta Ritu Dhun" and "Ghatu Dhun" were performed by talented musicians including Sarodist Suresh Raj Bajracharya, Firoj Bajracharya, Lakshmi Prasad Dangol, Bipu Shrestha, Milan Tandukar, and Raman Maharjan. They utilized a variety of instruments such as Sarodist, Khee, Dhimey, Kanta Dabdab, Dholak, Madal, Violin, and Flute to create these musical renditions.

 

The concluding performance featured a "Charya Dance" performed by Rajip Bajracharya, with musical support provided by Suresh Raj Bajracharya, Firoj Bajracharya, Laxmi Prasad Dangol, Milan Tandukar, Bipu Shrestha, and Ujesh Shrestha on vocals.

 

 

The Chief Guest, Mr. Chiri Babu Maharjan, who serves as the Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, actively participated in the program and expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of the youth in preserving cultural and traditional music. He pledged support for the young individuals involved in such initiatives aimed at preserving culture and traditions.The event also welcomed other special guests, including Mr. Nirmal Ratna Shakya, President of Lalitpur Metropolitan Ward No. 16, Mr. Mohan Prasad Joshi, a music expert, Mr. Kiran Chitrakar, President of the "Kartik Naach Preservation Committee," and guest Rajesh Maharjan.

 

At the end of the event, certificates were distributed to the participants, and tokens of appreciation were presented by Firoj Bajracharya and Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan. The organization's committee, dedicated to preserving and promoting cultural and traditional music, consists of Mr. Bishwas Bajracharya as the Secretary, Bipu Shrestha as the Treasurer, and other members including Sujit Napit, Rajip Bajracharya, and Anup Poudel.The program was skillfully hosted by Suraj Bir Bajracharya, with the welcome speech delivered by Firoj Bajracharya, the President of Project Baja Nepal. The vote of thanks was extended by Laxmi Prasad Dangol, the Vice-president of Project Baja Nepal.