Nepathya performs at Maailma Kylassa – The World Village Festival

28th May, Sunday 2006
World Village Festival
Helsinki, Finland

Nepathya, finally performed to a packed audience at the Savannah Stage of the World Village Festival today. Nepathya was allotted 45 minutes for performance, but due to demand from the crowd, the Master of Ceremony of the show had to call back the band to sing one more number. The show started at 3:00 PM local time here and went on till 3:55 – during which, Nepathya performed 10 songs.

The show started with Nepathya's version of Gaun Gaun Bata Utha.

While singing this – Amrit said – "This song has been an inseparable part of Nepal's social movement for the past 4 decades. Our elders sang this to motivate people to rise for their rights. We have been singing this song for the past 4 years. Today I would like to remember all the freedom fighter of Nepal while I sing this song to you."

The show then went into Nepathya's rock editions of folk song – Bhedako Oon, Jomsome Bazaarma, Udayo Railaile, Sa Karnali, Himal Chuchure, Resham, Taal ko Paani, and an instrumental presentation of Nepathya's song Saruma Rani. Finland based Nepalese girls dressed in traditional Nepali wardrobe joined Nepathya and danced while Jomsome Bazaarma was sung.

The Finnish audience which had gathered at the Kaisaniemi Park followed the songs by dancing and clapping to the Nepali rhythms.

With 9 songs performed, Nepathya had to leave the stage as their designated time was over. But with public demand – the MCs requested the band to come back. Accepting the request, Amrit went and sang – Rato ra Chandra Surya…

While singing this Amrit called out – " I love my country and I love my flag, hence I would like to sing a song of our flag to you."

Hundreds of Finland based Nepalese who were among the thousands of audience were seen happily engaged with the show. For them this was a very proud moment.

"I am glad all went fine and the show was loved by all," said Pasi Rajender, the chairman of the Finland Nepal Friendship society.

"Nepathya's participation at this year's festival has been given a lot of importance by the organisers and the Media here. It has given positive publicity to Nepal as well." said Maria Notley, the treasurer of the Finland – Nepal friendship society.

"This was a great opportunity for Nepali music, and I am glad we performed well. This can be the opening door for Nepali music to enter the world of international festivals." said Amrit Gurung – the front man of the band.

Earlier today – Amrit was interviewed live by The Finnish Broadcasting Service Radio (YELQ). Among others, Nepali documentary, Bhedako Oon Jasto was also screened as part of the festival today.

The festival ended today by featuring 150 shows from 4 continents.

"Villagers of the World Unite" – as said in the theme statement of the festival did seem to come alive over the weekend here in Helsinki.