Nepathya Concert Electrifies Narayanghat Crowd, Drawing Thousands Despite Sold-Out Tickets

As the band Nepathya began their performance with the song 'Ho Rama Rama,' various special effects lit up the Campa Chaur in Narayanghat. The stage filled with smoke, flags began flying over the audience area, and colorful lights spun rapidly. The audience cheered, making the atmosphere even more thrilling.

Amidst the enthusiastic presence of the audience, Nepathya performed 'Bheda Ko Oon,' a song from a decade ago, followed by 'Chhekyo Chhekyo,' which is nearly thirty-five years old. By then, the few remaining empty spaces in the corners of the ground were also filled. Outside, a long line of disappointed people who couldn't get tickets could be seen.

Prajwal Adhikari, who had just graduated with an Architecture Engineering degree from Rampur Campus, waited until the very end, hoping 'some solution might work out.' Tickets printed for the concert had been announced as sold out a day in advance. Online tickets also sold out just a few hours before the show started. Prajwal was disappointed, having arrived with the belief that, like at other concerts, tickets would be available at the gate for the Nepathya show.

This is the same Campa Chaur next to which the 'Narayani Kala Mandir' stands. Band singer Amrit Gurung recalls the struggle Nepathya faced 25 years ago to gather even five hundred spectators in that auditorium. On Tuesday evening, however, the crowd overflowed beyond capacity.

'We tried our best to accommodate the audience who came to watch,' said Binesh Thapa of the local organizer, 'Nepal Diaries.' 'When capacity was exceeded, we were forced to stop selling online tickets as well.'

The crowd of about eight thousand was predominantly young adults, but spectators from other age groups were also significantly present. Among them was 90-year-old Riddhi Kumari KC.

'I like all the songs Amrit sings,' said KC, who mentioned having watched a Nepathya concert in Kathmandu before. 'When I learned Nepathya was coming here, I came with the help and support of family and relatives to watch.'

Meanwhile, singer Amrit was simultaneously singing 'Lampate Surati,' urging, 'Let's dance like we are at a Rodi,' and then stirring the young hearts by singing 'Chari Maryo,' saying, 'In love, there is no talk of caste or creed.'

Amrit described the source of the water flowing in the nearby Narayani River—the Himalayas of the Gandak region—called for people not to miss the opportunity to travel and understand their country, and then presented a song prepared around the Dhaulagiri Himalayas:

'Shirphool on the head, wild flowers in the forest

Flower of ice on Dhaulagiri.'

He also sang the song 'Yo Jindagani,' appealing for charity during the program. During that time, he said, 'Many people get a chance to live in this world due to the generosity of donors. If there are children in the neighborhood who have not received the light of education, there is no greater virtuous deed than helping them step into school.'

Sandesh Ghimire, who is pursuing an MSc in Aquaculture from Rampur Agriculture Campus, looked excited as the band, returning to their city after four years, spread social messages along with entertainment.

He was enjoying the program leaning on crutches, having lost one leg in an accident about 22 years ago.

'I find the scent of the pure Nepali soul in all of Nepathya's songs,' Sandesh said. 'That's why I try not to miss Nepathya's programs.'

He mentioned that he had attended a Nepathya concert previously when it was held on the banks of the Narayani River in Chitwan.

Foreign faces were also visible here and there at the concert. Among them was Maarten from the Netherlands. He mentioned that he started getting close to Nepali folk culture after marrying a Nepali woman, Bishnu Khadka, 30 years ago, and shared his experience of watching a Nepathya concert in Belgium a few months prior.

'When visiting my in-laws, we found out Nepathya was performing here too, so we came with a group of relatives,' Maarten said. 'I try not to miss this band because their songs carry a strong Nepali identity. This is Nepal's best band.'

As the concert progressed, it was time for 'Gaun-Gaun Bata Uth.' Amrit attempted to connect the emotions awakened in the audience with thought, urging them to select worthy representatives in the upcoming elections without succumbing to fear or temptation.

Towards the end of the program, the all-time hit songs 'Resham' and 'Taal Ko Pani' were presented, as always. The program concluded with 'Rato Ra Chandrasurje.'