Every Thursday ISSUE 241 RS 40 9 OCTOBER 2014 23 cflZjg 2071

MARCHING MUSIC FOR THE DIGITAL AGE From soldiers playing in big bands to the music being reimagined with a modern touch, the month of October is set to be an exciting one for connoisseurs of jazz in

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The ‘Lai Bari Lai’ Tour ! Date: 11 October, Time: 6pm Venue: Club25hours, Tangalwood, Tangal Contact: 9851055135, Entry: Rs.1000

Bipul Chettri, a singer and a songwriter from Kalimpong, INKED! will be performing live in the capital on 11 October. The overwhelming response that he received for his singles Date: 17 to 19 October, Venue: Exhibition Hall, Mandap Contact: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] Asar, Wildfire, and Mountain High, motivated him to work on his maiden Sketches of . Bipul currently Nepal Inked is a tattoo and lifestyle convention that brings ink enthusiasts of the nation under one works in the Art Department at Vasant Valley School, New roof. Taking place alongside Silence Festival V, the highlights of the event will be a tattoo seminar, vintage car show, art show, bike stunts, and live performances, to name a few. The second edition of Delhi. His tracks on SoundCloud have over 4,50,000 plays so Nepal Inked promises to be bigger, better, and more entertaining. far. The program is presented by 25 Hours Entertainment. EVENTS YOU DON’T WANNA MISS!

WHAT YOU MISSED! OKTOBERFEST 2014 Date: 17 and 18 October, Time: 6pm to 10pm Venue: Hotel Radisson, Price: Rs.1800 net per person CELEBRATING WITH NCELL At the Ncell Mela, which took place Celebrate a festival of fun, food, and at Jawlakhel Ground, there was a beer at the beautiful Terrace Garden on good mix of rural and urban Dashain. The Ncell organized fair took place the fourth floor of the new Radisson wing. at eight different cities around Nepal, including Kathmandu. The price includes a lavish German buffet The festival had entertainers like along with unlimited supply of beers. jugglers, stilt walkers, magicians, and other performers, while food lovers were able to enjoy Dashain fares along with the traditional selroti. If you were there, you RECONCEPTIONS OF JAZZ would have enjoyed flying kites and Date: 16 to 22 October swaying on the swing. Darts, archery, and games like “Score the ball in Entry: Free, Contact: 9841549811 the bucket” kept the participants engaged, while children could be Reconceptions will offer locals and visitors in Kathmandu seen jumping on the trampolines. an opportunity to explore the different spectrums of jazz through electronic music. It will also provide a platform More fun was yet to come with the to up and coming local and international DJs, jazz performance of bands and artists musicians, and bedroom electronic producers who will such as Mukti and Revival, Sugam pay tribute to jazz heavyweights like Miles Davis, Herbie Pokharel, Deepak Bajracharya, Yama Hancock, John Coltrane, Gil Scott-Heron, and more. The Buddha, Jitu Nepal, Abhaya and the events will take place at several venues. One of the best Steam Injuns, Aastha B, and Everest elements of Reconceptions is its open table, where DJ’s Crew. The show was emceed by can walk in and play what they like. Raymon and Khusbu.

POST US: Email event details to [email protected] or call 5011571/ 5011639/ 5011730/ 5011731 for listings. Listings are free but inclusion is not guaranteed due to limited space. 5 Kickstart//Getstarted Where Silence Dwells On 17 and 18 October, Silence Festival V, the biggest annual heavy metal event in the country, will take place at Bhrikuti Mandap. As with the previous four editions, in the lineup are a brilliant roster of Nepali and international bands.

SAMYAM SHRESTHA

ilence Festival is not a new name for anyone with even the faintest clue of the metal music scene in Nepal. The biggest gathering of hard rock and metal fans in the country, Sthe festival has brought a crazy roster of internationally renowned bands over the years, names that Nepali heavy music fans had barely imagined would grace these mountains just half a decade ago - Vader, Textures, and Behemoth, being a few of them. From this year onward, the festival will be twice as loud with twice as many bands, as it will run for two consecutive days. The headliner this year is the British act , a band with a bizarre approach to heavy music, who play an amalgam of diverse genres such as , experimental metal, and . Sikth, along with the Swedish band Meshuggah, helped flourish the new-wave musical movement called . Supporting them will be, as always, bands playing a variety of rock/metal genres.

PAST HEADLINERS Band: Underside 2010 – Enigmatik: metal. Who would 2013 – Behemoth: Q&A: Bikrant Shrestha, Managing Director, Silence Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. The Swiss death metal have guessed they Adorned with outfit was the first would land in Nepal corpsepaint and Silence Festival will now take place over two days. How do you choose the headlining bands? foreign metal band someday? medieval-looking What led to the change? And, why Sikth? (excluding Kryptos from The outfits, Polish It’s all about crossing boundaries and pushing Choosing a headlining act can be difficult. India) to play in Nepal. 2012 – Textures: Dutch progressive heavyweights your limits. Sometimes you try to grow even if it Sikth is a big band specializing in modern 2011 – Vader: band was Behemoth had is really difficult. This year, we have tied up with metal, and there are a lot of contemporary Legends! One of the a pleasant offering everyone in awe with Nepal Inked Tattoo Convention, so there will be a groups imitating their style. We were lucky forefathers of the for modern metal their wicked set last lot of fun happening along with the music. enough to get in touch with them and they genre we call death enthusiasts. year. were kind enough to accept our invitation. The band lineup at the festival has always been I always wanted to bring Sikth to Silence versatile. Why so? Festival if they ever reunited, and here they We have always tried to mix the line-up so that there’s something for everyone. It is not easy in are now! This is their first show in Asia, BAND LINE-UP the case of the Nepali scene as metal fans are apart from Japan, so having them here is very special. 17 October very fragmented, but we try our best to cater to everyone every single time. Mahadev Cometo (Sui) There is also a pre-event band challenge BANDS What was the primary objective of the festival where the top three outfits get to perform at 13 Jindabaad the festival. What is its significance? when it was just starting out? Over the span of five Cheisrah (India) years, has the objective changed? Our aim is to support upcoming bands, and Divine Influence Our main goal has always been to promote our we do it without promotions. Hopefully, we will see more good outfits coming up in the The Exorcist local scene, and that we have been doing strongly in all conditions. It was initially to show the near future. Antyesti BANDS world that we do have good musicians and great Any do’s and don’ts for the festival FROM NEPAL bands out here too. We have already seen the attendees? 18 October progress with our bands. The objective will remain 8 There is not much to say as the metal the same as long as the festival stays alive and Sikth (UK) crowd is the most humble and sincere kicking. The Algorithm (Netherlands) group in the country; there is a great sense Underside When did you first envision organizing a festival of camaraderie. They know what to do and what not to. Anyway, just for the record, here INTERNATIONAL Tumbleweed Inc. so large? We never thought the festival would get this big. are a few rules: the security is going to very Kalodin I think it is all about time and the demands that tight, although even we hate that (laughs), BANDS DamageEra (Darjeeling, India) we have. We still haven’t been able to fulfill our and glass bottles and other sharp equipment 5 own vision but we are slowly getting to that point. will not be allowed. We will announce more Breach Not Broken Everything works over time, not overnight. rules on our festival page soon. Kickstart//Bibliophiles 6

Sushma Joshi is a writer and College, Vermont (USA). Her filmmaker. Her first book The End short films have been shown at of the World was longlisted for the different film festivals, including the Frank O’Connor Short Story Award Berlinale’s Talent Campus, on the Good editors in 2009. Art Matters was published Q and A with Riz Khan on CNN in 2008. She has a BA from Brown International, and the UN World University, and an MA in English Water Forum, amongst others. She Literature from Middlebury lives in Kathmandu. are hard to find SHUVECHCHHYA PRADHAN 1. What book are you currently to choose one I’d take Coleman of many years. I think all the reading? Why did you choose it? Barks’ translations of Rumi. reading I did from childhood was I am reading A Journal of the feeding into my writing. Plague Year by Daniel Defoe. 4. Is he your favorite author? I was at a summer program No. I read through the entire 8. Can you name one story at Brown University, my alma British Council library as a child. everyone must read? mater, and they allowed us I think I read about 3000 books Cheese by Sushma Joshi? Just to take a suitcaseful of books from age 11 to age 17. If I had to kidding! Well, let’s see... Kafka’s for free from their library. choose one from that canon, I’d Metamorphosis is a masterpiece. I happened to pick this up. have to take Charles Dickens. It’s Also anything by O Henry, Robinson Crusoe used to be a a pity there are no good libraries Maupassant, Calvino. I’d take all favorite of mine as a child so I in town anymore. the classic fairy tales as well. wanted to read Defoe again. It is an extremely relevant book, 5. Are you more into fiction or 9. I have heard that you are not especially with regards to the non-fiction? comfortable with other editors current ebola epidemic. I read both. These are made-up amending your work. Can you categories--everything informs share why? 2. What books have taken up the mind. I love good editors. They are just space on your shelf? hard to find! The plays of Garcia Lorca, The 6. Can you name one book that Secrets of Alchemy by Laurence everyone must read? 10. How do you maintain a M. Principe, The Mystics of Spain The Bible? Well, how about The habit of reading? Can you share by E Allison Peers. Enchanted Broccoli Forest? a few tips? I read about two or three hours 3. Can you name one favorite 7. How did you get inspiration every day. It’s like being a marathon book? for your latest book? runner - if you want to be a runner, There are too many but if I had It was written over a period you have to run every day.

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PRATISHTHA LAUNCHES DEBUT 25 SEPTEMBER, LAINCHOUR BANQUET Pratishtha Amatya Bista launched her debut album Pratishtha at Lainchour Banquet on 25 September. The 5 album consists of seven tracks and covers different genres of music. Some are Sufi influenced while other touch on folk, etc. The chief guest at the event was Satya Mohan Joshi. Pratishtha Amatya Bista also achieved the Guinness record in the Random Object Memorization category in 2004.

1.Bulu Mukarung 2.Jay aj Acharya 3.Chetan Karki 4.Pratistha Amatya Bista 5. Mohan Man Sainju, Satya Mohan Joshi and Geeta Wagle HALL OF FRAME

2 3 PASHUPATI PAINTS COLOR BAZAAR GRAND OPENING 27 SEPTEMBER, ANAMNAGAR On 27 September, Pashupati Paints introduced Color Bazaar, Nepal’s first color concept store that lets customers explore amazing color ideas and provides color consultancy by experts with options to visualise various color choices. The opening took place on Saturday, with Rajesh Hamal along with Shrishti Shrestha and Malvika Subba inaugurating the store at Anamnagar. 1 “We serve our customers with new products by keeping tabs on the latest trends,” said Shailendra Kumar Sitaula, Country Manager, Sales and Marketing at Pashupati Paints.

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1. Anita Maharjan 2.Meghna Jog 3.Jerina Manandhar 4.Shailendra Kumar Sitaula 5.Om Rajbhandari 6.Abhishek Murarka, Aditya Murarka and Madhusudhan Murarka 2 3

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MORE ASRI 25 SEPTEMBER, DURBARMARG Asri Jewelers launched a new jewelry store in Durbarmarg in the presence of the former Minister of Industry, Mahesh Lal Pradhan, and several industry insiders. For Asri Jewelers, which has been operating from New Road for SUNTALI SOON TO PAINT THE TOWN RED! the past seven years, this is the first 28 SEPTEMBER, QFX KUMARI 4 step towards extending their business. According to Rabi K. Shrestha and “Suntali is a parody. I wouldn’t want to constrict it into one style Manish L. Pradhan, two of the directors of filmmaking but it has flavors of traditional Nepali and Bollywood at Asri, they are planning to extend their films, and even European movies. That’s why I also have non-Nepali store outside of the Valley in a few years. filmmakers contributing to Suntali,” said director Bhaskar Dhungana, “We offer our clients variety at a very fair whose film also sees the comeback of actress Suryamala Khanal price,” says Pradhan. From the number into Nepali films. At a press conference a teaser for the film, which of customers thronging the store, their was officially selected for the Busan Film Festival (held from 5 to 8 motto seems to be working. October). The titular character is being played by Priyanka Karki, along famed theater names like Arpan Thapa, Karma, Pramod Agrahari, among others. 1.Sunil Shakya 2.Rabi K Shrestha 3.Mahesh Lal Pradhan 1.Priyanka Kark 2.Karma and Khagendra Lamichhane 3.Nischal Basnet 4.Gyaneshwor Joshi 4.Rajesh Siddhi, Nakim Uddin, Ashok Sharma and Bhaskar Dhungana

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OKTOBERFEST 26 SEPTEMBER, SUNRISE RESTAURANT, HOTEL YAK AND YETI Hotel Yak and Yeti recently celebrated Oktoberfest at the Sunrise Café. The Oktoberfest menu included salmon garved lax on Chinese spoon, potato sala with beer dressing, imported cheese platter, German peas soup smoked sausage, Frankfurters, Nuernborg, onion jus, and many more delicious dishes. Providing the musical entertainment was The Electrix. In attendance was the German Ambassador and house guests, among others. The event took place over three days, from 26 to 28 October, for lunch and dinner. The Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian culture, having been held since 1810. Other cities across the world also hold Oktoberfest celebrations modeled after the original Munich event. Issue 241 | 9 October enterta nment Flavors of Thailand! Thai food items are being introduced for the first time at Reef, a restaurant that has been revamping its menu with multi-cuisine dishes.

ASTHA JOSHI

ocated in the hub of the the different table menu that they busiest street of Thamel, Reef come up with every two weeks. This Restaurant and Lounge Bar is also includes flat discounts on the on the fifth floor of the A-One purchase of varieties of whiskey and Complex in Bhagwatistan. wine, which also differs each month. LThere’s ample parking space, both “We come up with three different underground and behind the food items every two weeks in building, a blessing for commuters order to understand our customer’s in such a busy part of town. As soon preferences and to update our menu. as you step out of the elevator, the We always value the feedback of our first thing you notice is the calm customers,” said Pratik Karmacharya, environment and décors that reflect supervisor at the restaurant. Valuing the hues of the sea. Reef’s ambience their regular customers seems to be is pleasing with a covered terrace, a high priority for Reef because they its bright open space tastefully done even have privilege cards (Platinum, with floor seating arrangements lined Gold, and Silver) with each having with pillows, and white leather sofas a certain percentage of discounts and glass tabletops decked over tiny on food and drinks. “We even have models of reefs with rocks, sandbars, ladies’ night on Thursdays where turtles, and seashells. They even have women get a complimentary cocktail stir-fried eggs, squids, and chopped a separate area for fine dining that or mocktail when they walk-in,” he roast peanuts, all of which was Chef’s Recommendation Caesar Salad, Pollo Farcito , Meat Lovers’ Pizza can also be reserved for meetings. added. finally topped with stir-fried prawns. The food mostly consists of Italian Reef Restaurant and Lounge Bar, A-One With each layer topped with such Complex, 5th floor, Bhagwatistan and Indian dishes, but the place has Spicy, sour, sweet, and salty - that’s components, all the flavors could be been incorporating a multi-cuisine Thai food for you! savored. I didn’t feel like I had missed Contact: 4411523. , Opening: 7am to 11pm menu. “We first started out as an The Thai Tom Yam Koong had just out on anything while digging into Italian food restaurant, and then the right amount of hot and sour with the next layer. Even the presentation boiled rice was the crispy meat itself. later moved on to multi-cuisine. We rich and creamy flavors of coconut was considerate keeping in mind a My only complaint was the sauce, will be changing our menu right milk, coupled with the spicy flavor person’s preference for sour and hot, which was just not enough for a dish after Dashain and Thai food will of galangal (Thai ginger), which with the fish sauce, chili paste, and with boiled rice. If I had the choice, be included in it,” said Executive added more depth to the dish. The the diced lemon kept separately. All I would probably have the dish with Chef, Gopi Bahadur Thapa Magar. limejuice and the lemon grass added you had to do was squeeze more only the fried pork and pak choi. The Thai dishes are based on the more to the flavor. “This time, we’ve lemon if you wanted something Although I only tried the Thai feedback given to them by guests, sourced organic vegetables and spices sour and more of the fish chili sauce dishes, the others on Reef’s menu apart from the culinary staff of the for the Thai menu from a farm in if your palate preferred hot spicy looked equally temping as well. I was restaurant itself. As per the chef’s Bhaktapur. This ensures that spices flavors. told that their Meat Lovers’ Pizza, recommendation, we ordered Thai like galangal are fresh and provide the “Fish sauce is the most essential which consists of smoked meat, Tom-yam-Koong (hot and sour best possible flavor to the dish,” said component of Thai food. It’s the was really popular. Another dish prawn soup), Pad-Thai Thale (rice Chef Magar. condiment that gives Thai food its recommended to me was the Pollo noodle dish with prawns, squids, and The essence of how a Pad Thai dish salty flavor. It is used instead of salt farcito (stuffed chicken with mixed eggs) and, finally, fried pork with is presented lies in its foundation. and we use it for every Thai dish,” vegetables, bacon, and mozzarella pak-choi. The Pad Thai Thale at Reef had all said Chef Magar. What I loved about with brown pepper sauce). These, I’ll A highlight of dining at Reef is that. Each rice noodle layer had the fried pork with pak choi and leave for my next visit to Reef.

Entertainment//Music 12 Are You Concerned ? Change in music, as in life, is inevitable. Reconceptions of Jazz is about re-imagining everyday things and unveiling hidden paths.

UZAIR SAWAL local talents popping up these days and we want to provide them a platform, be it festivals or small intimate gigs. It has to start somewhere and somebody has to do it. Only then will we have a good scene in the future.” This exact sentiment was what inspired Thomas Tingstrup to gather other like- minded individuals, myself included, and transform dreams into a reality. Thomas has organized a number of exhibitions featuring local and international contemporary visual artists through the platform, Art @ Tings. These days, it has evolved from being just a platform and grown into an incubator for the creative scene. It was through Art @ Tings that the infant phase of Reconceptions of Jazz started to take bigger steps. The fundamental idea behind Reconceptions of Jazz goes beyond music. To us, Reconceptions is about re-imagining new music movement is taking Today, the challenge in jazz is to reinvent the everyday things that surround us and, place right now in Kathmandu basically, unveiling a hidden path to - Reconceptions of Jazz, a series music to a new paradigm resonant to this era. awesomeness that no one knew about. At where jazz meets electronic The 20th century is over; looking back, emulating first, our dream had the potential of turning music. It is happening because what has already been done with just a slightly into a nightmare when we calculated a collective of passionate music the rupees required to pull it off. This Alovers decided to put an effort in making a different spin on it, is simply not going to cut it. matter struck a chord with Shirish Dali, change. A musical revolution is taking its frontman of Albatross, a band that needs course and it is coming your way. nothing is immutable. Today you can no introduction. Reflecting upon his band’s Today’s electronic gadgetry allows for gather seashells on Himalayan peaks recent nationwide tour, which had been far more sophisticated experimentation because they were once part of a seabed backed by an alcohol brand, he commented than the old wicka-wicka sound of a (figuratively speaking, since I do not have that the scene could be stagnant sometimes turntable scratching or a basic sample loop scientific backing on this). Time passes, and as sponsors aren’t willing to take the risk for musicians to improvise over. Now the people’s lives keep changing and evolving, and channel money towards ideas that improviser’s art can be played out against a influencing their musical outlook. aren’t tried and tested. new sonic backdrop colored by fragments Bringing in something new to Lady Luck must have been smiling on of electronic sounds, rhythms, and samples Kathmandu can be a daunting task, us as Tuborg hopped on board and helped swimming through the music. Amid even if you are offering something that propel us even further in our quest of this world of altered realities and fresh many people can relate to. In this case, adding another dimension to the music possibilities, digital computer editing— electronic music. This issue is definitely scene in Kathmandu. The sail has been set literally cutting and pasting sound—allows something Spandan Mocktan knows very and there are no icebergs to stop us. Since for juxtapositions never even dreamed well. Spandan promotes electronic music the first day of the conception, Tuborg has about in Charlie Parker’s day. through his label Eleven11 Production. always been supportive of our initiative Today, the challenge in jazz is to reinvent He is also one of the driving forces and they are clearly positioning themselves the music to a new paradigm resonant to behind electronic dance music festivals in as a brand that champions ingenious this era. The 20th century is over; looking Kathmandu such as Dancemandu and the ideas. After all, a fair share of the world’s back, emulating what has already been done Dance Valley series. influential ideas were born in bars and our Uzair Sawal is with just a slightly different spin on it, is Despite Spandan’s busy schedule— a traveling creative idea is really simple, to take the music back simply not going to cut it. Just as important, juggling between handling the content creator, to the people. Jazz is not the music of the this technology’s easy availability and its programming for a new music venue Club originally from Kuala esoteric, nor should it be usurped purely relative affordability means the bedroom 25 Hours and organizing Nepal Inked, Lumpur but currently for commercial interests. based in Kathmandu. can now become a recording studio. Jazz which is taking place this weekend—he He also organises Before you enjoy your weekend musicians have a new set of tools to mold agreed to squeeze in some time for me NABE Radio - a (hopefully at one of our shows), I’ll leave and shape sound, and they are using them and share his thoughts on the subject. series of small you with the last stanza from a song by to re-contextualise jazz within the nervous Spandan, while taking a sip of his iced parties that promotes American jazz pianist and composer Billy underground 21st century. With much of it still under latte, reassured me that although electronic electronic music Taylor. the shadow of 1950s hard bop, jazz has the music is new to Kathmandu, it is slowly and now he is busy potential to be its own museum-keeper, its progressing and people are warming up curating music If you really are concerned, then show it own graveyard attendant, and it is buckling to new sounds. “We are trying to promote programme for If you really want to help, you can Reconceptions under the weight of its own pretensions. other kinds of electronic music, not just of Jazz. For more But you’d better start right now Change in jazz, as in life, is inevitable. the commercial ones that you hear on info, visit www. By making changes when you’re able Purists are not going to admit it but VH1 or MTV,” he added. “There are more reconceptions.com Or your world will disappear.

Entertainment//Buzzmaker 14 Wildlife Warrior When Hemanta Mishra decided to opt for a career in conservation in the 1960s, he wasn’t taking the road less travelled; he was, in effect, taking a road that wasn’t built yet. Challenges came early in his career. He was a member of the team tasked with establishing the Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s first national park. That was the first step in the larger goal of saving the rhino from extinction. Mishra spent three decades in Chitwan, working as a conservationist to protect rhinos and tigers, as well as other endangered animals. He recounted those days of trials and travails, highs and lows, working with the world’s topmost experts and conservationists and villagers in his award-winning books, The Soul of the Rhino and Bones of the Tiger. He has recently come out with a handbook on Chitwan. Kapil Bisht caught up with him.

What took you on the path of How did you go from being a wildlife conservation? graduate in forestry to being one Sometimes I ask myself that very of the people responsible for question. When you grow up in an establishing Chitwan National area like Godavari, which is very Park? rich in bio-diversity, you develop In those days in India, and to an an attachment to nature. I guess We scientists and conservationists go backing to the cause. Deploying extent today, wildlife management there with our “revelations”, trying the Army in protected areas also Godavari made a strong impression was under the purview of the forest on my mind. The decision to study to save this species and that, but the saved wildlife, especially during department. So wildlife was also most important thing is working with the Civil War years. And, of course, forestry was in some ways also part of my forestry education. When a “revolt” against my father. My the people living around the park. the biggest achievement in the past I returned from Dehra Dun, I got That is something no university can few decades has been involving uncle was working in the Nepalese a job in the Forestry Department. Embassy in the U.K. (he later became teach you. That was the eye-opener, the local people in conservation After working in several places, I was although it took us years to realize efforts. Ambassador), and my father wanted posted to Langtang. My colleague me to follow in his footsteps. But it. The other thing I learned was there was a brilliant scientist named the richness of the Tharu culture. You took your wife to live with I didn’t see myself fitting into the Graeme Caughley. Our job was to diplomatic field. I was too interested Contrary to what we were used to you in the jungle and you raised survey the area for the creation of a hearing about Tharus being primitive, in open spaces to be able to sit in an national park. While we were doing your kids there. How did you and office room. I found them a very sophisticated this we were asked to do a survey people. your wife manage to do that? of rhinos in Chitwan. So we did the We never planned it, but having Revolting against one’s father was first census of rhinos there. We were What has Nepal done right in its my wife around made it easier for uncommon in the 1960s. How did absolutely shocked at our findings, conservation approach? me. She helped during wildlife you convince your father to allow because it showed that there were counts, ticking off animals on a only 90-110 rhinos remaining in First of all, Nepal’s policies and list. And seeing my wife and family you to pursue a career of your legislations were solid. I have been choice? Chitwan. I went back to Langtang only during Dashain wasn’t my after the census. But the disturbing to around 60 countries, and have style. Besides, having her around Actually, he surprised me by results of that survey got me a call found our policies to be among the meant getting good food. consenting. That doesn’t mean he did up to work in Chitwan and saving best in the world. That gave us a not try to change my mind. Like most rhinos. strong foundation. Another prudent Are you working on a new book? youths in the 60s, I was desperate step was paralleling the creation I am planning a book about to get out of Kathmandu. And in You say in your new book that of Chitwan National Park with a those days getting out meant going research project, which was funded elephants entitled, tentatively, The to Europe. Scholarships were falling working in Chitwan changed your by the Smithsonian Institution. Tears of the Elephant. And I am out of the sky in the 60s. I wanted to outlook. What was that change? So there was a combination of also working on my autobiography. go to the Soviet Union, but my father One of the first things I learned science and management. We were objected because I’d be gone for eight was that when you create a national open to outside expertise, which What would you like to say to years. So I decided to go to Dehra park, what you are doing is creating brought in new ideas. Political budding conservationists? Dun, India. India was much more an island in the middle of a sea of will was also a crucial factor: King I am not endorsing Nike, but my acceptable to my father than Europe, humanity. And these people are poor, Mahendra, Birendra, and (then) advice is the same as their motto: so he agreed to let me study forestry. hungry for food, fuel, and fodder. Prince Gyanendra gave their full Just do it.

Entertainment//Nepal Inked 16

BEYONDWith Nepal Inked right around the corner, Fr!day caughtTHE up with John Maharjan, aINK tattoo artist and one of the organizers of the convention, for a little Q & A about the upcoming event.

SUJAN G. AMATYA

1. What are you looking forward to the most at the event and how are your preparations rolling? We are still preparing the floor management since we have 75-80 artists participating this time. Among them, 30 are international artists. I have not been able to even sleep well for the past few weeks and can’t wait for the event to finally kick off. We started preparing for this year’s Nepal Inked well in advance in December 2013 to make sure we wouldn’t repeat the mistakes we made during the last convention.

2. How did you come across the artists? We got hold of the artists via the Internet and through references from friends.

3. On what basis did you choose them? We chose the artists through online registrations and we also referred to their website for more information.

Are the tattoos inked for free during the event? If no, what are the rates? Visitors should definitely not expect to be inked for free. Before coming to the convention we advise them to look up the rates according to the Nepali market. One thing you should

know is that the artists charge 6. Who made the brilliant illustrations that have higher in the studio, which is why been featured in the Nepal Inked ads? How big is the presence of piercings and other types Those were done by Prajnik Awasti and of body modification at the event? getting a tattoo at the convention myself. I also designed the t-shirts along with is a good idea. For example, Piotr Bimal Rai. There’s the scarification, body modification, and body piercing class for $200. It’s a two-day (16 hour) Olejnik’s rate is 200 to 300 Euros 7. Would you like to address the misconceptions that still exist about tattoos in Nepal? course by Joyle Barnes from Spain. Then there’s the per hour back in his hometown in Everything is changing, however people still Poland, but he will lower the price relate junkies with tattoos. suspension and mixing tradition, fire jugglers, lakhey, and the first female suspension in Nepal by Jharna for the convention. 8. Do you think the government should be involved in an international convention such Gurung, with Dinesh Maharjan and Bhuwan Thapa. as this? They haven’t shown any interest so far. 4. What are the ticket rates? Where can we Everything was done by the organizers. purchase them? JADS TATTOO 13. What are the challenges that you’re currently The tickets are priced at Rs.100 and they can 9. In what way are you handling cleanliness and At Jads Tattoo the artists facing when it comes to the convention? be bought at tattoo studios all around town. hygiene during the convention? love what they do and Since it’s Dashain, nothing gets done on You can also enter for free if you have Silence There will be independent cleaners, use and put their heart and soul time. Festival tickets. throw materials, biohazard bags for everyone, into every design they ink as well as volunteers who will monitor by welcoming personal 14. What is the advice you’d like to give to 5. Are you planning to get tattooed yourself? burgeoning talents in the tattoo world? hygiene. concepts and ideas. I’m not sure since I’ll be busy working, but I Don’t start without doing your homework. will get one from Piotr if I am free. It will be a 10. Who are giving the seminars and on what Start as an apprentice and gain experience. traditional design. topic? John Maharjan has been Besides Joyle’s scarification, body using skin as canvas for 15. Would you like to share information about your modification, and body piercing class, there the last nine years. He also upcoming projects, besides the convention? will be a one-day color workshop by Piotr. This happens to have a four- We are going to the Indian Tattoo Who are the judges for the will cost around $100. year diploma in painting. Convention with a different suspension group. tattoo competition? 11. Which artists are you excited to meet at the Besides Piotr, Chris Powers event? I’m looking forward to meeting Petko Things to consider before getting a tattoo: from the United States, Niyazi Dzhelebov, Mirek Vel Stotker, and Marian • Be sure about the kind of tattoo you want, do not do it just for the sake of doing it. Gogut. Abi Tau from Russia, and Lenko • Avoid getting inked on your face and avoid offensive symbols as well. 12. Could you share an interesting story from your from Bulgaria. They were • Always have a positive state of mind. tattooing career? • Do not get inked while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. chosen for their experience, I don’t think I can pick one. Everyday is • Think about the future as tattoos stay on the skin forever. not because they are the best. interesting with new and interesting projects. • Avoid alcohol for 48 hours before getting inked. • Get proper sleep before getting a tattoo. 17 Entertainment//Kripa Unplugged Rocking Kripa’s Stage GIRISH SUBEDI

Sareen Deoja is the vocalist of the alternative rock band Monkey Temple. He is also a restaurateur who has been running La Grange, a restaurant that has become a musical junction in Thamel for the past four months. The video for Anumati, a song from Monkey Temple’s second album, was the first Nepali music Photo Courtesy: Prasit Humagain video to be premiered on MTV, on the show MTV Roots. Last Monday, the band’s performance on Kripa Unplugged was aired on Kantipur Television. This is what Deoja had to say to us regarding the show: “It’s a pretty good show in the context of Nepal’s music scene and an appreciable platform for local musicians. I believe it’s a first step for a new beginning in the Upcoming week Don’t forget to watch Prem music industry. All the songs that my Pariyar, a young singer, on Kripa band composed were initially done with Unplugged’s next episode. This acoustic musical instruments before they talented 14-year-old musician went electric. Hence, the show gave us a was born in Malekhu and brought to Kathmandu for further chance to reveal that side of ours to the education and musical training by audience. The songs that we performed film producer Shishir Rana. Prem were Sangai Bachuna and Acoustic 11 from became popular after debuting in our first album. Likewise, we also did two the movie Nai Nabhannu La 2 as a featured singer. At present, the well known-numbers from our second young talent is touring Australia. album: Anumati and Swapna.” Entertainment//Jazz 18

JAZZThe KJC and N.A. Jazz Orchestra, a collaboration betweenON the Nepal Army band THE FRONTLINE and Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, is a unique addition to this year’s Jazzmandu.

GIRISH SUBEDI

From 16 to 22 October, the 12th every day for several hours. For them, it’s Kathmandu Jazz Festival (aka “office time.” Thirdly, they are voracious Jazzmandu) will be taking place musical notation readers, which has made at various locations around the their progress as jazz students rapid. Valley. This year, KJ Denhert (USA), And lastly, they are all under the musical Eduardo Mendonca (Brazil), guidance of Lt. Col. Amul Dhali, who Pity Cabrera Trio (France), Ange happens to be a versatile and experienced Takats (Australia), Kristian Persson musician himself. Elements (Sweden), Tropic Green “I am very lucky to have had the (Singapore), and Cadenza Collective opportunity to work with famous musicians (Nepal) will be the standout from Nepal, India, and other countries,” he performers. However, a really says. So far, Lt. Col. Dhali has played the interesting addition to the festival saxophone and done musical arrangements this time the KJC and N.A. Jazz for and alongside singers like Asha Bhonsle, Orchestra, a collaboration between Jagjit Singh, Shaan, Narayan Gopal, the Nepal Army band and three Bachu Kailash, Natikaji, Deep Shrestha, musicians from Kathmandu Jazz Shambhujeet Baskota, Deepak Jangam, and Conservatory. marine bands from several nations. He also Musically directed by Lt. Col. worked with Gopal Yonzon as a musical Amul Karki Dhali, the band’s director for the movie Pahilo Prem. “I performance will be one of a kind. even played guitar in Prism, an early For the first time in Nepal’s history, Nepali rock band, for about five years,” a group of musicians from the army he reveals. Now 45 and with a solo album will be performing conventional jazz under his belt, the armyman reflects upon tunes to a local and international his life as a musician dedicated solely to audience at a music festival. Rajat his art. This, he believes, was possible Rai—a senior music instructor at due to the family of musicians he was KJC—and Lt. Col. Dhali himself brought up in. Following his footsteps will head the musical ensemble as are his sons and cousins who are full conductors. This is also probably the time musicians. Lt. Col. Dhali’s first show of its nature in the history years of experience and his of the army’s music department, desire to enable his students to which was established almost 60 explore new dimensions in years ago. music landed him in a The KJC and N.A. Jazz Orchestra’s meeting with Rajat. “I am first performance took place on 20 very grateful towards him September at Moksh Restaurant and and KJC, as he pitched the Bar in Jhamsikhel. The show was, in idea of forming an army jazz a sense, a preview of the band’s music band to me from the start,” he for the upcoming Jazzmandu festival. says. I had the chance to attend one of Rajat is also the guitarist of Cadenza their practice sessions and I must say, Collective. Though he started his the punch in their music hit me hard. musical career with the band, his Let me explain why. expertise as a musician goes way First of all, it is important to beyond the guitar. His ability to read realize that the Nepal Army members and conduct stave music notations are dedicated soldiers. Secondly, they and years of expertise as teacher at practice their musical instruments KJC makes him what he is today:

Bishnu Bhushal on Trumpets (T/SGT) Nirmala Gurung on Baratone Saxophone (T/CPL) (On The Cover) Mitaram Pariyar on Alto Saxophone (T/SGT) 19 JAZZ ON THE FRONTLINE

a resourceful jazz guru. Whether he that are being used by the band. accepts this title or not, his students in Although these are instruments the army hold him in high regard, just as that we get to see on parades during much as they respect Lt. Col. Dhali. important Nepali dates such as “We are extremely grateful to be under Ghode , their usage in the the musical guidance of Lt. Col. Dhali contemporary local music scenario sir and likewise, we are also indebted to of Nepal is still rare. “I believe our our jazz teacher Rajat Rai for helping efforts will inspire a lot of youths to us become able jazz musicians,” says take up these instruments as their Jitendra Sunam, the band’s drummer, profession, which actually has also who holds the rank of TWO2 in the been our motive all along,” says Rajat. Nepal Army. For Jitendra, jazz differs He adds that the formation of several considerably from what he usually of such “big bands” in the upcoming performs. “For the past 20 years, days has been an important part of my only glimpse of jazz music KJC’s long-term visions. occurred when I played the “It is a matter of pride for us all national anthems of different in the national army to be able to nations,” he adds. showcase the talents of our officers Nabin Karki Dhali, TWO1 in amongst reputed jazz musicians the Nepal Army, plays the keyboards from all over the world and a start in the band. Experienced in playing of a new chain of musical activities wind instruments, he has in the Nepal Army itself,” says been enjoying his workouts Lt. Col. Dhali. According to him, on the keys. “I find the instruments used in jazz such as the different scales used in saxophone were introduced into the jazz interesting as I country by the Nepal Army music have been learning to bureau. Hence, it seems that this improvise more and new big band is on its way to prove more on their varied that they are able to explore even the and complex patterns,” most complex musical dimensions he says. To him, jazz music of these instruments besides their represents different moods that vary regular patterns. In a sense, this is a from the romantic and fun to expressions kind of a tribute to their predecessors of deep and solemn thoughts. in the army, the ones who were Accompanying his fellow soldiers the first players of such musical is guitarist Suraj Pariyar, who relates instruments in Nepal. a bluesy jazz style they’re playing The formation of big bands such to Eastern traditional ragas. “But, as the KJC and N.A. Jazz Orchestra personally, I find the Latino jazz style could lead to a change in the music jolly and the most fun to play,” he says. scenario of the country, or at least The KJC and N.A. Jazz Orchestra certain facets of it. But the real will be performing a jazz set based on question is whether an ensemble Latino, swing, and blues music on 22 such as this will be able to attract October. Amongst the performers is a response. For the Orchestra, this Nirmala Gurung, who, according to her involves more than just fame and colleagues, is amongst the few female further opportunities. It is their call saxophone players in Nepal. of duty, a mission to uplift the music The trumpet, trombone, and French scenario of the nation, which they horn are three other musical instruments are all set to do with pride.

(The KJC and N.A. Jazz Orchestra will be performing at the Jazzmandu Finale on 22 October at Hotel Yak and Yeti) Entertainment//Cigars 20 What is it about cigars? Is it the object itself or the person holding it that draws our attention? It is not easy to ignore a person with a cigar between his or her fingers. Call it the influence of films or the sheer feeling of being compared to the likes of Fidel Castro, Winston Churchill, and Che Guevara, cigars, by all means, are enjoyed for reasons way beyond tobacco.

ANUBHUTI POUDYAL

igars are symbols of power. Mafia cigar and liquor you prefer,” explains K.C. Three good and bad things because they want a smoke; there are other themed movies use it as a prop For K.C, cigar smoking is a social about smoking cigars alternatives for that. Folks light cigars to show the supremacy of the affair. “It is like golfing,” he says. “It bonds Good to indulge in a legacy of supremacy and characters. A confidently perched individuals just the same way.” • It helps me meet power. It relaxes some and helps them cigar between the lips and a glass The good, the bad, and the ugly people with the think, while others consider it an important Cof liquor in hand defines a formidable Cigars come in different brands and in same taste and love agent to connect to people. Whatever the for cigars. personality. In non-fiction, they are differing qualities. Besides knowing the • It is good for reason, the image of cigars go way beyond associated with strong, powerful individuals flavors, connoisseurs can even figure out business! Like what it contains. The cigar way is a life of who have often been photographed with where the binders, fillers, and wrappers are golfing, it helps you indulgence, one that millions across the cigars in their hands. But what is it about actually made. get work networks. world proudly partake in. • It enhances the cigars that make them so glamorous Direk Lal Shrestha is the CEO of flavor of the liquor anyway? Kamana Prakashan. His love for cigars was All about cigars kindled fifteen years ago when he was in Bad • The filler, binder, and wrapper are the A cigar is as good as the memories you the United States of America, working at a • People who don’t three parts that make up a cigar. They have when you smoked it – Raul Julia smoke cigars high-end cigar shop. “There were thousands find the smoke are all leaves. These parts are made Sandeep K.C, a Food and Beverage expert, of cigars around me. I talked to the impossible to get in different corners of the world. So, is a cigar enthusiast. “I grew up watching customers about them but I’d never tried used to. in a given cigar, the filler could be my father handle cigars; I have seen him one myself. After a while, I was intrigued. • You have to change from Honduras, the binder from the your clothes as light them for royalty. The way you use the ‘Why would anyone spend $100 on one soon as you’re done Dominican Republic, and the wrapper indirect heat to light a cigar and then swirl cigar?’ I thought. So, I tried one and haven’t smoking a cigar! from Cameroon! it elegantly in the air so it catches the heat is stopped since. Unlike cigarettes, cigars are • I need to have • You use a cutter to cut the cigar before an art. The intrigue of cigars starts from the not meant to be inhaled. It takes some time company to enjoy burning it. You decide whether you want my cigar. process of lighting it,” he says. to get used to,” says Shrestha. a point cut, medium cut, or double cut. The image of a smoky room, jazz or There are a range of cigar brands that - Sandeep K.C This depends on the amount of smoke blues playing in the background, a glass of are ruling the world today. There was a that you are used to taking into your whisky on the table, and a cigar in hand is time when Cuban cigars were considered mouth. a familiar one. The drink, it must be stated, to be the finest. They are still on top, more Good • Maintaining humidity and temperature also happens to be an integral part of the so politically than for any other reason. • A drink and a cigar while storing cigars is a major challenge scene. “Cigars bring out the taste of the Cuban cigars are banned in the USA and in hand helps that people seem to ignore. A humidifier me channel my drink. You cannot enjoy all cigars with all since people find rarity attractive, they are thoughts. is essential if you plan to store cigars. drinks. You have to know which goes well highly sought after in other parts of the • All cigars have You need to maintain the equatorial with what and, most importantly, which world as well. Cohiba, Romeo and Juliet, distinct tastes. temperature and humidity that they are Montecristo, Rocky Patel, and Punch are Like food, they are used to. enjoyed differently a few of the many brands that are popular by different people. • Cigars are not meant to be inhaled; today. is an exclusive brand of • It helps me give you draw the smoke and taste the hand rolled cigars known for producing company to myself. flavor. Different brands have different His Majesty’s reserve cigars. About 100,000 I enjoy my cigars, flavors. Good cigars have particular even if I am alone. pieces are produced under that name and it characteristics. For instance, they burn is considered to be the most expensive cigar Bad evenly and have constant smoke flow. in the world. They are rare and are booked • Cigars are bad for • Cigars are no better than cigarettes at luxurious prices by those who want to lay your health. when it comes to your well-being. It is • They are expensive. their hands on them. still injurious to health and has been Cigars, like cars and homes, exude Direk Lal Shrestha. associated with oral, esophageal, and power. People don’t normally light a cigar Greenline, Siddhant throat cancers. 21 Writing is a Craft Indian novelist and politician Shashi Tharoor was in Kathmandu to attend the NCELL Nepal Literature Festival. During the final day of the event, Tharoor talked about how globalization is here to stay, and what writing in English is like in the subcontinent.

ABHAYA JOSHI

t’s an honor to be here are some devoted readers who will I have never taken a literature sentence long: “’My God!’ said in Kathmandu because I read anything I write, but the larger course myself. I love literature the Duchess of Argyll. I am had never been to Nepal number of the audience will pick up and books so much that studying pregnant. Who did it?” It had before, which is particularly one of my books because they are literature would be like learning religion: my god, aristocracy: embarrassing to admit for an interested in a particular subject or about girls in a medical school. You duchess, sex: she is pregnant, and Indian. I have seen a fair bit of Nepal a review they have heard. It doesn’t really have to savor the experience mystery: who did it? And it was Ithough, considering that I’ve only bother me. I don’t expect other yourself. There’s a story about writing stunningly brief! So the teacher been here for less than two days. I people to share my interest. What I classes that I would like to share. gave up trying to teach writing. have seen the mountains up close, usually tell the people reading my An Englishman tells his students But the simplest answer is and visited two or three prominent book is: if you like this book, there a formula to write a best seller: it that the best writers are also avid locations such as Swayambhunath, are 13 others for you to read, if you must contain sex, mystery, religion, readers. The more you read, the Patan, and Pashupatinath. This has don’t like this book, there are 13 other and aristocracy, and it must be more you see how others have convinced me that I should have books you may like. brief. The best one was exactly one come up with their explorations. done this a long time ago, but it also encourages me to come back again. So this may not be the last you have seen of me at the Nepal Literature Festival. Globalization gives us an interesting frame to look at the world we live in, as well as to reflect upon and to write about. At the same time, globalization is something that we have learnt to take for granted. But it’s truly irreversible. One of my more awful jokes that I will inflict upon you is about the epitome of this phenomenon of globalization: the death of Princess Diana. You might ask what has the death of Princess Diana got to do with globalization? Think of it this way: an English princess with a Welsh title leaves a French hotel with an Egyptian companion who has supplanted a Pakistani. She gets onto a German automobile with a Dutch engine and is driven by a Belgian chauffeur full of Scottish whisky. She is then chased by Italian paparazzi on Japanese-built bikes into a Swiss-built tunnel, where they crash. A rescue is attempted by an American doctor using Brazilian medicines. And the story is now being told by an Indian MP from Thiruvananthapuram here in Kathmandu. There’s globalization! But even at this time of globalization, there is a question of local relevance and authenticity. What do you do when you are writing in English in the subcontinent for an audience that is made up of your own countrymen and women but using a language that did not spring organically from the soil? That is one of the issues I have dealt with in my book Bookless in Baghdad. I have written 14 books and there are only a handful of people who may have read them all. There Entertainment//Getaway 22 To Tansen, via An emerging holiday destination, Tansen offers a relaxing respite from big city madness and a chance to absorb and appreciate Nepal’s incredible natural beauty.

here are two ways to get to Tansen by road from Kathmandu. The route from Narayanghat via Butwal is shorter and mostly straight like an arrow; the longer, Twindier option is a detour with a stopover in Pokhara. My group chose the latter option partly due to logistics (we left at mid-afternoon on a Saturday; no point arriving at Tansen at midnight) and partly because a one-night layover at Lakeside would provide a nice break to our journey. In Pokhara we stayed at Yeti Guest House, where a comfortable room comes at a mere Rs.880. A driveway takes you to its two-story building, tucked away from Lakeside’s hullabaloo and traffic. There is a lounge-like arrangement at Yeti’s balcony, a perfect place to enjoy its garden’s ample greenery and massive trees, which is what we did before bedtime, accompanied by Pokhara’s classic monsoon downpour. But before that, we had enough time to dine at Koto and catch the Brazil vs Chile World Cup match. During dinner we discussed whether to go to Sarangkot or the Peace Pagoda in the morning, but as we sat by the lake eating Mike’s special breakfast the following day, the majority voted for a more relaxing option - a boat ride. Not very adventurous, I know. But the ride had a surprising element. A friend noticed a path on the other side of the lake that scurried up and into the foliage. We tied our paddleboats to the shore and ventured into the wet forest. Our reward: a sparkling waterfall and a stream next to with benches, cushions, and a couple of four; our driver dai got his own room the path. hammocks! downstairs) were well equipped with After the refreshing morning, we went As promised, Bishnuji brought down electric outlets and lights. After a good to Olive Cafe for lunch, conveniently a tray of banana lassis, quickly followed night’s rest, we were surprised, once located next to Yeti. Olive is a quaint, by chicken wings, bara rings, and oven- more, with the quality (and amount) woody cafe, one of the few places at roasted pork! It sounded like a good of the breakfast - home made cheese, Lakeside with an espresso machine. deal when I had inquired about the buckwheat pancakes, omelets prepared Friends reported that their Mojitos were farm in Kathmandu - Rs.1500 per head as well as any five-star chef might, worth the buck but I had an Americano for an overnight stay and three meals. toast and tea, coffee and juice—did I instead. After buying a new set of hiking But Bishnuji’s hospitality skills and the miss anything?—oh bacon! Yep, thick boots across the street, we packed quality of food made our time at Srijana slices of bacon that came right from the ourselves back into the car around 2pm truly remarkable. Since the appetizers neighborhood. and headed to Tansen. were copious, we kept pushing dinner. We didn’t get to walk around or The road sure was full of curves, but Sipping Palpa’s deliciously smooth local explore the farm much since we had the blacktop was smooth and sturdy. aila, we somewhat lost track of time as plans for the day, but I am already eager In less than four hours, Tansen greeted we discussed the difference between to return to Srijana Farm. I would like us. Our plan was to stay overnight at intention and energy, but finally around to know more about the three urbanites Srijana Farm, a relatively new farmstay 10pm, we were escorted to the kitchen. who now live almost full-time at about 12km from Tansen. We followed The table was replete with items to satisfy Srijana (they have their own houses in the directions to Harthok and then met anyone’s dalbhat cravings. Dessert was the compound), experimenting with Bishnuji by the roadside. As he led us rasmalai. How did you learn to make all cheese making and farming. Their down to the farm, I couldn’t help notice these, we couldn’t help asking Bishnuji. Niranjan Kunwar is a recent project—crossbreeding local writer and educator a litchi tree by the entrance; its branches His answer: YouTube. based in Kathmandu. goats with international species— hung low with the weight of ripe litchi The three rooms inside Srijana’s He can be reached was quite successful. The Farm is clusters. Close by was a neat hangout spot traditional red mud house (well, maybe at [email protected] gradually expanding their business and 23 To Tansen, via Pokhara

THINGS TO DO IN TANSEN Walk to Srinagar Danda (Hill) Lose yourself in the middle of a pine forest at Srinagar Hill. On clear days, you will get breathtaking views of the from a newly constructed viewing tower. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Srinagar Hill from Tansen on foot.

Hike to Rani Mahal Rani Mahal is situated at the Kali Gandaki basin. From Tansen, the hike is about three hours each way. Unlike most hikes, the downhill comes first and then the uphill. One can take breaks at waterfalls and small shops along reaching out (camping sites are under the way. construction) and anyone interested in Check out Srijana agriculture is welcome to get their hands Farm dirty. About 12km from We left early because we wanted to Tansen, Srijana hike down the hill to the Kali Gandaki Farm is a farmstay run by a passionate river. Visiting Rani Mahal—a crumbling and enthusiastic facade constructed by Khadga Shumsher group of people. Rana as a tribute to his queen Tek Great service and Kumari—was really a pretext for the excellent food is guaranteed. hike. But walking inside its halls, amidst situated at the heart of old Tansen. The and completed our loop in Mugling. It the weather-beaten ruins, the Palladian Comfortable stay town itself is charming, crisscrossed by was a short, quick trip. We could have pillars that are finally getting a fresh layer away from home sloping, narrow streets barely wide enough easily stayed longer; there are so many of paint, I couldn’t help wondering about For those wishing for a big jeep.The previous day or so had more things to do at the places we visited. for a short stayover, the Rana and his desire to construct the newly opened been a bit rough and so we were delighted Inside the car, we entertained ourselves this monument next to the river about a Bed and Breakfast by the modern comforts at Chhen. with some games, some gossip, and long century ago. And his grief. I couldn’t help PalpaliChhen will Sipping tea at Chhen’s rooftop is a stretches of silence. I stared ahead at the wondering about the depth of his grief provide comfort luxurious experience. The weather, highway, somewhat ready for Kathmandu, and good service. and the magnitude of his loss. Managed by the typical to Tansen, was cool and misty that mind filled with memories of the rain and After the hot afternoon walk, about famous Nanglo summer morning. The rolling hills were the river, the large expansive lake and the three hours each way—punctuated by International group, right in front of us and the Madi Valley numerous waterfalls, and the delightfully fresh waterfall showers—we finally their trademark on the other side was blanketed with cool wispy clouds of Tansen. Bakery Cafe is reached uphill, sore and sweaty, ready for around the corner fluffy layers of white. our final night. We checked into Palpali from the B & B. Later that morning, we descended For more information on the places mentioned, Chhen, a brand new Bed and Breakfast down to Butwal, lunched at Narayanghat, please check out their Facebook pages. Entertainment//Electric Car 24 A Compact, Smart & Connected Future Like it or not, the automotive industry will change in the coming decades, and companies like the Mahindra Reva are making sure we are ready for it.

PRABAL SHRESTHA

ome of the technologies envisioned in the Back To The Future trilogy—like the garbage- Firstly, could you tell us bit aberration, we fix it remotely, Let’s go back to the start in Are there mechanisms in place fueled flying cars—may not have about the new car? and if it cannot be fixed 2001 when Reva was first to promote electric vehicles in S A lot of research has gone into remotely, we inform the car introduced. What was the India? emerged yet, but the world is by no making this car. Having the owner and instruct him to visit motivation back then? Right now, globally, there aren’t means at a standstill. Many automotive REVAi, the previous Reva car, our local service station. We call The project was initiated by many governments that are companies today are working to shift in the market for years meant it – Proactive Diagnostic Cure. Chetan Maini who, as a student at providing a lot of support to from petroleum fuel to renewable that we were able to learn about Stanford, built a solar car, which electric vehicles. Norway is a consumer experience, and Is this particular feature unique he named Sun Runner. He took good example to learn from. and sustainable energy to run their this car is a product of those to the E20? the car to participate in a solar Despite being an oil-rich country, vehicles. A part of the concern is also studies and experience. It has The thing about the E20 is that car race in Australia and came in the government provides a lot to cut down carbon dioxide emission. features like reverse camera, 80 percent of it is electronic. second or third. This was back in of support for electric cars. One such company striving to pave which is not available in most Unlike other cars that need maybe 1991. After he returned, Almost every household has a cars in this class. It has a GPS regular service checkups for he had a vision of making similar second car for daily use that’s a path towards sustainable means is navigation system, dashboard- performance monitoring, the vehicles that were commercially electric. Similar interventions Mahendra Reva. mounted touchscreen, and E20 can be monitored remotely viable. That’s how it all started. are required to promote this Mahendra Reva is one of the keyless entry. The car can be as almost all of its functions are industry. As more and more pioneers of electric vehicles for mass cured remotely. The beauty of electronic. What do you think is the biggest people start using electric cars, the vehicle is that it has ten challenge for the car or any the prices will come down. consumers. It, along with Tesla, computers. The E20 can run for How much can you save on electric car in the market? was voted the 22nd most innovative 100km when it is fully charge, petrol with the E20? A major challenge is Do you think charging booths company in the world last year by which is ample for daily use. It can make a distance of acceptability of the concept. will be necessary to make this Fast Company. The Bangalore- 100km with full charge, which There is a consumer mindset technology more adaptable? You mentioned “cured takes up ten units of electricity. that electric cars are like toys. The E20 is a city car. It is not based company recently introduced remotely.” What does that Ten units of electricity costs The E20 has been certified by something that you use to drive the second version of its RevaE20 mean? slightly lesser than what you pay major automotive institutions from here to Pokhara. It takes hatchback, which now comes with You see, the car is connected. for one liter of petrol. Very few in India and Europe; it is as five hours to charge the car. It’s power steering. To mark the occasion, It’s like your phone being cars give more than 20km with good as any other car. It is more like your mobile phone— connected to a SIM card. one liter of petrol. Now consider actually safer than other cars you use it during the day and the General Manager of Exports for The E20 is connected to the the price of petrol, which will and runs on a technology called charge it at night when you are Mahindra Reva, Pranaya Deep, visited company server, where we only rise, and the distance you Space-frame. However, people in not using it. In Bangalore, we Kathmandu. Fr!day had a chance to analyze whatever’s happening will be making with your car general have stuck to the same have placed charging booths meet up with him to talk about the new in the car. If there is any every year. old mindset. every five minutes. However, we found out that no one uses them car and the future of motor vehicles. because there is enough charge to last the whole day. There is simply no need for these booths. We have also provided backup charge in case of emergencies, which provides 7-8% reserve charge—that’s around nine to 10 kilometers. But the car has a good digital odometer that will continuously inform you of the available charge, so the emergency charge will rarely have to be used.

What kind of future do you see for electric vehicles? This is just the beginning. Today there are a few hundred cars being sold globally; in five year’s time, 3 to 4.5 million vehicles are projected be sold. So, the industry will have to look into alternate ways to power automobiles.

Is your company working on other electric car models? We are now part of the Mahindra Group, which already makes vehicles ranging from two-wheelers to big trucks. Combining the technology and further advancements in electrical vehicle technology, we aim to provide electrical vehicles with greater capacity in the future. TO SUBSCRIBE Call/SMS@9841794880 (Rabin) Entertainment//Drinks 26 Create & Consume @ Monin Studio Monin Studio is located at Greenline Monin Studio is not just for Centre, Durbarmarg. Its chief purpose is hospitality and beverage industry folks. to educate people about the proper way Rather, it is about the vibe that is created of consuming alcoholic beverages. But it while experiencing new and next level doesn’t end there. The Studio doesn’t just beverages amidst people of different intend to teach; it also wants to share the professional backgrounds. 102-year experience of the Monin brand. A visit here can be a learning Monin is renowned for its innovation experience because the studio showcases and taste, which you can witness in new arrivals and educates people about person at the hands of the Brand Manager the brands and the history behind them. of Monin Nepal, Varun Thapa, who Sessions such as these can improve the will be sharing his creativity along with way you host guests - professionally as his experience. The unique studio is well as in your family homes. equipped with more than 500 different At Monin Studio, you’ll be able to alcohol brands. This means you can take taste and create classic as well as new your cocktail mixing creativity to greater cocktail and mocktail recipes. It’s time heights. to experience and socialize with new Be a part of this new era in the people, while coming up with new beverage world for free. The only catch is ideas regarding the consumption of you have to earn your drink by proving beverages. Learn, create, and show your your creativity and interest in beverages. creativity at Monin Studio.

Entertainment//Blogspot 28

WhereSHUVECHCHHYA PRADHAN did Dashain go?

e would always walk the the festival. sometimes play with the saris, trying happened. Fufu went to the same road - from Thamel The sari pasal at Indra Chowk to feel them. At other times, I would pasal alone. Mom has been to Indra Chowk. But come would usually be packed. Even listen to people, trying to make sense. bed ridden for a while now, WIndra Jatra, mom and during normal days, it would be After the deal was fixed, we struggling to get up, struggling fufu (aunt) would lead me through full of women flipping through would then return the same way to fall asleep. The shop then the numerous gallis (alleys) of old beautiful saris—Japanese, Indian, we came from. The small gallis delivered the saris to us since Kathmandu. We would take one Silk, Banarasi—for themselves or would be darker, the bahal would be we’ve been regular customers from Tyodh and reach Bangemudha, as gifts. There would be a group of illuminated with streetlights, but the for a long time (as long as I and from there go through another women from the same family flipping crowd would still be the same. There can remember), and everyone galli behind the temple of Bhairab to through other types of saris—Dopatta would still be people moving back gathered at home to decide JanBahal. From inside the courtyard and Chiffon, among others—for and forth, pushing and pulling each which color to choose. This year, of the Seto Matsyendranath, we someone’s wedding. There would other. There would be street vendors Dashain hasn’t arrived for me would then take another small galli also be groups of young women calling out, children crying, people even if it’s already past Purnima. (that was invisible to first timers) and going through simple saris for their bargaining. Mom and fufu would be This year, I didn’t walked down reach our destination – the sari pasal office uniform. But during Dashain, talking to each other, fixing time for the streets I used to walk on, at Indra Chowk. everyone would be flipping through another shopping day, and I would the streets I loved to walk on. And that’s how my Dashain would the ones with borders and handwork. be trying to meet their pace while This year, I am just going back always start. Not with rituals or card Everyone would be shouting at walking. and forth, wondering where did games or a feast, it would begin the top of their lungs to get to the But this year, nothing of that sort Dashain go. many days before the actual Dashain salesmen. And I would sit in a corner, (sometimes at around Indra Jatra) silently watching these grown women when mom and fufu would take me (including my mom and fufu) joke with them to buy the annual sari for and discuss with each other. I would Broken Circles, Missing Players Dashain or not, whenever my family congregates, it isn’t just a gathering - it is a festival in itself.

YUKTA BAJRACHARYA

We don’t do birthdays and casual I love this time of the year especially because Dashain laughter – we make up for all or get-togethers. There are a few specific any of the distances that have arisen occasions around the year when is an opportunity to spend time with my cousins. during the rest of the year at these we all meet at a granduncle’s place, Conversations, teasing, and laughter – we make up for gatherings. Dashain being one of those times. all or any of the distances that have arisen during the But five years ago, my eldest These gatherings, no matter the cousin, the one who knew how to occasion, are not very different from rest of the year at these gatherings. pull out the card we memorized one another. from the back of our heads, moved There’s the same jeri-swari and The living room is arranged and dais and didi. One of us runs to the to Australia. The year after, another malpwa breakfast. The hours until sealed for the evening, when the kitchen to get the beans, two prepare cousin of mine, the one who never let noon are all a string of greetings: jijabhajus (son-in-laws) come in. the three decks, and we are set. No me lose a lot of money, went to India “Wye dhunla?” (Have you reached?) Later into the afternoon, the common one bothers to keep track of time; to study. The year next, it was MD’s and “bhayati” dhogs to the elders. room is occupied by younger adults there is nowhere to go and nothing turn to shift to Denmark for work, The kitchen is the most happening of the family, catching up. else that we want to do. Even the and this year BD wasn’t there too. place. All the women and some of The only difference between small ones abandon the TV, occupy A yearning for things to be like the men of the family find something those occasions and Dashain is the other half of the common room, they were before kicked in last year, or the other to help out with while the late afternoon call by the eldest and form their own circle and start and it accompanied me this time as preparing meals for the day. The male member of our family, my playing jutpati. The card games go on well. sound of knives to chopping boards, granduncle, to everyone for a round until late evening, when it is time to My family is big enough for my ginger and garlic to pestle, food to of tika and jamara, and the fact that welcome the jijabhajus and sit for the granduncle’s five-storied house to still frying pans, teasing to laughter – it becomes legitimate for us to play grand bhoj. be crowded during the gatherings. If there is no place for silence here. The cards all day long. I love this time of the year you think of it, the rituals and routine room with the TV is occupied by the I graduated from a kid to an especially because Dashain is an are still the same. But the gathering little children who switch between adult six years ago. This meant that opportunity to spend time with my felt incomplete, like the broken card- shows and their own role-play games. I could also join “the circle” with my cousins. Conversations, teasing, and playing circle that is missing players.

Entertainment//Fr!day Films 30 Must Cinema Have A Function? Nationalist propaganda reflected through cinema is a dangerous combination

PRAWIN ADHIKARI

No. Not really. At its best, it doesn’t even have to entertain the audience. The least useful of cinema’s functions is the “social” function, or, essentially, the propagandist function. Usually, the faction of the population most vocally demanding for a socio-political or religio-moral function from cinema is the dominant faction, seeking to put the medium in use to accuse, oppress, or in other ways marginalize the identity, aspirations, and behaviors of minorities.Think of how little the northeastern states of India are shown in Hindi movies, and you’ll begin to understand why most of you don’t know about IromSharmila, but you know what a sweet old man Gandhi was, for showing MunnaBhai the right way out. To ask for a nationalist cinema is to agree to belong to a majority that behaves oppressively towards the minorities. Take, for example, movies promoting the idea of a “Greater Nepal.”These movies aren’t “I think it is dangerous to say that cinema must have a transformative quality concerned with history –stem from a on the society as a whole. The only sort of cinema that can claim to do that sense of impotence in the presence. If they were concerned with history, they is Propagandist Cinema. And anyone with even a paau of brains knows that would mention that in the few decades propaganda can’t be inclusive of conflicting or contradictory moral viewpoints.” while Gorkha held dominion over the lands lost, people in those lands were not very happy to have become subjects of a dharma to come unarmed – and surprised responsible for shaping the society that faraway kingdom with brutal war tactics. Tanhun by digging swords and scimitars we live in, can’t I make the case that the The princes who had lost to the Gorkhalis from the sand and threatening to kill nationalism of filmmakers and political persistently tried to win the lands back, them. At the very onset of his campaign leaders are equally stupid and unthinking? often allying with whomever the Gorkhalis to create a large jagir for his descendents, I think it is dangerous to say that were fighting. Often times, the jagir or and for the descendants of houses of his cinema must have a transformative zamindari for land that Gorkhalis lost went body-servants, Prithvi Narayan betrayed quality on society as a whole. The to descendents of princes and zamindars the very people who had given him his only sort of cinema that can claim to from whom the Gorkhalis had conquered education and ambition. As a boy from do that is Propagandist Cinema. And land. Tanhun, I found his behavior coarse and anyone with even a paauof brains knows Now, ask yourself how smart it is to crass, not at all kingly. that propaganda can’t be inclusive of claim the lost lands back for a people – But, my ancestors had migrated to conflicting or contradictory moral Nepalis – who aren’t all descendents of Tanhun only four generations before me, viewpoints. Which means, only the Gorkhali conquerors, but mostly of people from a place in Gorkha called Lapsibot. majority – with its religion, guns, and subjugated by the Gorkhalis! Ask yourself Why was I sharing indignation with the money – will force upon the rest a if there is honesty in Nepali filmmakers betrayed king and ministers of Tanhun? singular idea of nationalism that will not safely ensconced in Kathmandu presuming How stupid of me to conflate myself with accommodate any other point of view. to speak for two centuries and many other figures in history! How juvenile What cinema can do is have generations of people (in “Greater Nepal”) of me to take the MarshyangdiRiver for a transformative quality on an who have grown up not feeling or being a border that separated me from the individual. The Iranian director Abbas forced to feel Nepali. clan-betrayer Prithivi Narayan and his Kiarostamidiscusses the difference Nationalism is always thrust upon a unchivalrousministers who broke the between a movie that keeps you on the people, especially in a fractious country dharma of a parlay? In my defence, I was edge of the seat throughout, but you can’t like Nepal. I am from Tanhun, and I a boy of 11 when I first read about the recall anything distinctly after reaching remember feeling anger and indignation incident. Most of the men – for they are home. A lot of noise and loud emotions, a when I read for the first time about how mostly men – who engage in the most sense of catharsis as you exit the theater, virulent rhetoric of nationalism in cinema Prawin Adhikari but ultimately empty. And the other kind conquered Tanhun. writes fiction and Not through military might – Gorkha are grownups. screenplays, and puts you to sleep, its density becomes was nowhere as strong as Tanhun in those If cinema must have a religio-moral or teaches. He is an oppressive, and you have a vague sense of days, and Prithvi Narayan, having grown socio-political function, and if the men assistant editor with unease and incompleteness as you exit the engaged in creating that propaganda are La.Lit, the literary theater. But, years later, you suddenly sit up as a child in Tanhun, knew he couldn’t magazine, accessible do much without conquering Tanhun. as (non)smart or (un)thoughtful as I was online at www. up in the night, awoken from your sleep Therefore, he and his ministers hid at 11, should we even listen to them? If lalitmag.com His by something from that movie which weapons overnight under the sands of a filmmakers create ideas that shape society collection of short now you understand. This is change that –is this not the essence of the argument stories The Vanishing happens within the individual – far away riverbank that was the borders between the Act was published two kingdoms, invited Tanhun for a parlay for havingtheCensor Board at all? – and in March, 2014, by from thrills and laughs, far away from a – for which both sides were required by if elected leaders are ultimately most Rupa Publications. “social” message. 31