KATHMANDU, Aug 18: Nepali folk-rock band Nepathya’s upcoming concert in Gangtok, the capital of India’s Sikkim state, has received a high-profile endorsement even before the band takes the stage.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) unveiled the concert’s specially designed T-shirt and tickets during celebrations marking India’s 80th Independence Day, giving the October 31 concert a state-level spotlight. Nepathya had earlier announced the concert date through its official website.
The band has performed in Sikkim three times in the past. Its first post-comeback concert was held in a closed auditorium, while its next two performances drew large crowds at open-air venues. The first outdoor show was held in Pakyong, outside St Xavier’s School, and the second in Rabangla at Cho-Dzo Lakeside.
Organizers say the fourth concert, scheduled at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, is expected to be the band’s biggest and most spectacular show in Sikkim yet.
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According to Positive Vibes Entertainment Network, the concert aims to celebrate the energy, enthusiasm and creativity of Sikkim’s youth while promoting the state’s culture and natural beauty.
Concert coordinator Tenzing Dorje said the event would help promote Sikkim’s music, culture and younger generation. He also thanked Chief Minister Tamang for promoting the concert by sharing its tickets and T-shirt.
“I am thankful for the help and encouragement from the Chief Minister. We are eagerly anticipating a splendid welcome for Nepathya,” Dorje said.
Nepathya has also announced a concert in Itahari on November 4 and is currently preparing for a performance in Kirtipur. The band is also scheduled to tour South Korea and is preparing for a series of performances in Nepal and abroad toward the end of the year.
Nepathya frontman and lead vocalist Amrit Gurung said the band has long enjoyed a warm reception in Sikkim, where generations of listeners grew up listening to its songs on the radio.
“We’ve received a warm welcome from generations of listeners in Sikkim who grew up listening to Nepathya’s songs on the radio. This time, receiving exciting news about the concert so early has further encouraged us,” Gurung said.
According to Gurung, audiences from the Sikkim-Darjeeling region were among the first to invite Nepathya to perform outside Nepal after the band was formed.
Kiran Krishna Shrestha of Nepa~laya, which has been promoting and organizing Nepathya’s concerts, said audiences in the region have a distinctive appreciation for Nepali music.
“Among the regions where Nepali songs and music are popular, the audience here is special in terms of musical awareness. We are making all possible arrangements to give them a fun evening,” Shrestha said.
Gurung will be joined on stage by drummer Dhurba Lama, bassist Subin Shakya, guitarist Niraj Gurung, keyboardist Dinesh Raj Regmi and percussionist Shanti Rayamajhi on the madal.
Tickets for the Gangtok concert can be purchased and seats booked online through Nepathya’s official website.
