Posts
December 31, 2023 at 9:58AM
Day 3731: Family Band - Singh Band
From our family to yours!
2023 hasn’t been a year with any less challenges but we are happy and excited to start a new year 2024! We are thrilled to share our unique ‘Singh Family’ style wishes to our family and friends.
Embracing positivity, our family enjoys expressing joy, and lately, we've embarked on a musical journey together. Though not experts, our 'Singh Family' band joyfully presents a modest expression of love and positivity to our family and friends.
It’s just for fun and we enjoyed a lot while making it. We hope you like our effort and forgive us if there are any flaws and shortcomings.
With this we wish you a very Happy new year 2024!
Onwards and upwards!
#happynewyear2024 #familymusic #musicvideo #bestwishes #newyearready
December 28, 2023 at 10:00AM
Day 3728: Memories
‘We all meet to create memories and part to preserve them’
When I look back at my childhood I don’t remember much of the gifts and the presents but what I remember most is the activities that we shared together with my friends. They have shaped my character; they have helped me overcome my loneliness and I cherish them a lot. So, I put in lots of effort on my children having these kinds of memories too, that they can share, cherish and relive. Luckily for us, we have a circle of friends who do the same with their kids and ours together; always up for making wonderful and happy memories.
In this video, the boys and girls that have grown up together since they were born are creating one of such memories and singing such poignant song – ‘Memories’ by Maroon 5. This gives me immense pleasure that they are creating memories that they shall remember for long time, hopefully.
…and such a fitting verse:
‘There's a time that I remember, when I did not know no pain
When I believed in forever, and everything would stay the same
Now my heart feel like December when somebody say your name
'Cause I can't reach out to call you, but I know I will one day, yeah’
Oneek on guitars, Aditi, Riya, Arush and Nishad on Vocals and Avash on high.
Yearly Christmas gathering at Dipak’s Hillyard Road.
25 December 2023
December 26, 2023 at 10:03AM
Day 3727: MaHa Show
MaHa, the affectionately termed dynamic duo of Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansa Acharya, has been a prominent name in the Nepali comedy scene for over 40 years.
I had the privilege of organizing their inaugural event in the UK in 2004 alongside Shiraz Sam. Fast forward 18 years, it was once again an honor to witness their amazing performance.
The contributions these legendary men have made to Nepali comedy are unparalleled. Whether through songwriting, singing, book authorship, or simply being remarkable individuals, their impact on Nepali literature is incredible. Moreover, the energy and passion they bring to their craft at this stage in life are truly inspirational to me.
The recent show at Harrow Leisure Centre, organized by The Gurkha Centre, was a delightful yet emotional affair. Madan Krishna Shrestha's son, Yaman Shrestha, and daughter, Sahana Shrestha, performed a few songs for their aging father.
The added bonus of listening to Sharmila Bardewa didi and Prakash Saput made the evening even more amazing. I share some of the videos here.
December 22, 2023 at 10:10AM
Day 3724: 5 Celebrations
First time, since its inception in 2000 in London, Pasa Puchah Guthi, UK marked a milestone by celebrating Mha Puja, the worship of self, and Nhu Dan (Nepal Sambat – New year) in 5 different cities across the UK: London, South-East London, Aldershot, Reading, and Edinburgh (Scotland).
Four out of the five locations synchronized Mha Puja and Nhu Dan celebrations to coincide with the corresponding day in Nepal. However, Pasa Puchah Guthi UK - London celebrated on the first weekend after the Mha Puja. Traditionally, this has always been the case, aligning with the unique demography of Newah people in London. The Newah community in London have lived there for longer period of time, largely engaged in 9-5 jobs, raising families, and establishing extensive family networks in proximity near where they live. And most observing Mha Puja themselves at home.
The first Mha Puja in the UK, held on Monday, 14 November 2000, was a reflection of the prevalent work patterns among Nepalese and Newah individuals who were predominantly associated with the restaurant industry - most of the Nepalese and newahs either worked in the restaurants or owned a restaurant. Monday was an important day for social activities during late nineties and early 2000. Monday was the day when most of the restaurants closed or most of the owners and staff could get a day off. Over time, as the demographic landscape shifted, particularly in London, with more people adopting 9-5 work schedules and starting families, the celebration transitioned to the first weekend (preferably Saturday) after the actual day in Nepal.
While the demography of the Nepalese/Newah Diaspora in London influenced this shift, other branches across the UK have remained fluid and maintained flexibility, consistently making an effort to celebrate Mha Puja on the same day.
This ability to celebrate Mha Puja and New Year (Nepal Sambat) in different parts of the UK and on different days is a testament to provide opportunities to observe festivities in foreign land shows the way Brisith Newah live in the UK. It also demonstrates the resilience and commitment of Newahs in the UK, showcasing their enthusiasm for Newah festivals despite evolving circumstances.
December 16, 2023 at 10:14AM
December 15, 2023 at 10:16AM
As someone passionate about the study of music and culture, I've noticed a small glitch in the Grade 3 "English in Practice" textbook approved by Nepal's curriculum development board.
In the "Sakela Dance" chapter of the book, the drum you see labeled as "dhol" is actually a "madal," and the cymbal marked as "jhyamta" is, in fact, a "tah." To add to the confusion, an exercise at the end asks students to name the instruments. If students provide the correct names whether in class or in exams, they might face penalties. Education should encourage accurate learning, not punish it! It looks like a simple labeling error, but it matters, especially when it comes to preserving the accuracy of our cultural heritage and passing it on to the new generation.
Let's spread the word and nudge those in charge to ensure our textbooks paint an accurate picture of our musical traditions. Share this post, tag the relevant peeps, and let's keep the harmony in our cultural education!
#Sakela #Dhol #Jhyamta #Madal #Tah #Mujura #Tinchhu #NepaliMusic #NepaleseMusic #NepaleseMusicalInstruments #NepaleseDances
December 6, 2023 at 10:27AM
Day 3709: Connecting Cultures
On the occassion of 65 years of British Council in Nepal, a multimedia exhibition was launched today, showcasing the exchanges and achievements in the culture and education sectors between the UK and Nepal, facilitated by the British Council in Nepal since its inception in 1959.
It was also a proud moment for Pasa Puchah Guthi, UK to participate with Lakhe, Dhime, Bhuchhen and Sichhen to mark the occasion.
PASA PUCHAH GUTHI, UK - (London)
Pasa Puchah Guthi UK, South East London Chapter
Pasa Pucha Guthi UK, Aldershot
December 6, 2023 at 7:28AM
December 1, 2023 at 10:30AM
Day 3705: Yo Juni
This beautiful ballad was released by Bhakta Band couple of months ago. If you haven't had chance to listen to it. Please do give it a listen in this cold and nippy Friday afternoon with cup of warm tea. Please leave comments and share!
Following is my lame attempt to translate this beautiful song.
Unspoken Yearnings
I lack, the moments to count the fallen stars,
I worry, even in this life you might not be mine…who else, then?
The day shall circle back
Our paths shall cross again
Eagerly wait, I shall, for the day
To halt the relentless march of time.
And when that happen...
Hold my hand,
And Lock eyes with mine.
When our fates align, deem it love.
If this happen, at all, whisper to me as yours
Arrive at that same square,
Release burdens held tight.
Recall the shared moments,
Drift into slumber within an embrace.
Now...
Hold my hand,
And lock eyes with mine.
When our fates align, deem it love.
Hold my hand,
Lock eyes with mine.
Call out, even from a distance.