Every Thursday ISSUE 234 RS 40 21 AUGUST 2014 29 >fj)f 2071

Lately, there has been an increase in talks about reading culture, Nepal as a hub for bibliophiles, literary critics, and readers who view books as a way of life and a form of expression.

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TOP 3 EVENTS

KOLOR - MANDU UMANGA NATHM FOOD FIESTA 2014 Date: 14 August to 21 August HANDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT Date: 16 August, Venue: Nepal Academy of Tourism and Venue: The !City Museum, Kathmandu Date: 15 August, Time: 5pm to 10am Hotel Management, Ravi Bhawan, Kathmandu Time: 11am to 7pm Venue: Base Camp, Location: Jhamsikhel, Contact: 9818448622, 9849819663, 9849898594, Lalitpur, Entry: Rs.250 9841192779 Sattya Media Arts Collective will be holding an exhibition on Kolor Volunteers Felicani Viviani from Gucci and Jinhee An event to look forward to, the Umanga Nathm Food Kathmandu from 14 to 21 August at Fiesta 2014 will feature not just food, but music, The City Museum. Through Sattya’s Parl from Yves Saint Laurent have flown all the entertainment, and a host of other activities as well. This Kolor Kathmandu project .... way from Italy through Planete Urgence to .... year, the focus will be on multi cuisines, both local and ....

(For more information please refer to page 8) (For more information please refer to page 9) (For more information please refer to page 8)

Kolor Kathmandu transformed the city into an open gallery and made art accessible to all. KOLOR Now, Sattya Media Arts Collective will be holding an exhibition on Kolor Kathmandu from Black In Beauty: A documentary 14 to 21 August at The City Museum Kathmandu, Durbar Marg. What began as a small project has now turned into an artist-initiated grassroots social movement. Living your dream can prove to be the toughest road, and yet the MANDU most satisfying. Kailash Neupane, the chairman of AaVa Group, packed his bags and camera and left a life in Australia to live his dream. Established around two years ago, AaVa Group seeks to capture the flawless beauty of the far-western region along with its dark sides through the documentary, Black in Beauty.

5 Reasons to watch Black in Beauty by Kailash Neupane: 1. The beauty of the places in the far west of Nepal, such as Deuda, Api, and Saipal, are mostly just read in books. This documentary contains the visual spectacle of these places. 2. The documentary shows that places like Pokhara and Chitwan are not only the places in Nepal worth visiting. It proves that the prospect for tourism in the Far West is exhilarating. 3. Black in Beauty also portrays the sense of humanity of the Far West, side by side with its prospects and problems. Inexplicable through words, it can only be explained visually. 4. Along with its beauty, this documentary also focuses on the “black” parts of the region, which includes a severe lack of economic development and infrastructure as well as social and individual issues such as a reliance on extreme superstition. 5. The youth should be helping the nation in any way possible. This documentary encourages the youth to stay in Nepal and try building the nation.

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.

With events to the left and right, Fr!day makes it a little bit easier for you to choose events for this week and Black in Beauty will be screened on 18 August at the Russian Culture Centre. the next. Here are out top three picks.

Kickstart//Get Started 6

AT A GLANCE What UmangaNATHM Food Fiesta 2014

When Here’s The Dish 16 August, Saturday Where For many, music, food, and helping people equals happiness, and NATHM College, Ravi Bhawan, Kathmandu. happiness appears to be right around the corner. The National Academy Who for Tourism and Hospitality Management (NATHM) is organizing the 13th batch of NATHM Pepsi Umanga NATHM Food Fiesta to make your bodies move and Entry taste buds groove, with the profits going to the National Disability Unity Rs.100 per person Centre. Eat, enjoy, and receive happiness this Saturday! ROCHAK DAHAL THE EVENTS Food items that Continental: can’t be missed A sandwich, a fine plate of pasta, and a delicious dessert at the end of it sounds Cultural fashion show like a satisfying meal, Nepal has over 35 doesn’t it? ethnicities, and each ethnic group has a Food Carving specific culture. The Newari: Competition: fashion show will Cram down typical This is the event that emphasize on the Newari food to spice will undoubtedly grab cultural variety of up your afternoon. the most attention. Nepal with a focus on Chhoyla, woh, bara, The contest is not an ethnic garments. and samaybaji are a ordinary one either; few of the popular it is between the top Newari dishes that you chefs of five star hotels can try at the fest. and restaurants around the Valley. Whether Tibetan: you intend to learn by Dance show The Tibetan cuisine observing the chefs or A dance show too that will be served just plan to admire their is in the offing. A consists mainly of skills as a bystander, perfect event to burn Tibetan mo:mo and it’s safe to say that those calories after chilly mo:mo. A taste the Food Carving consuming all that of Tibet might just be Competition will be an food, maybe? what you’re looking for. event to remember.

1974 AD This rock band needs no introduction. Expect them to play hits such as Sambodhan, Yo Mann ta MeroNepali Ho, Parelima, PahiloJunima, and SamjhiBaschhu.

Albatross One of the biggest bands in the Nepali rock scene, Albatross will be looking to play tracks from their latest album, Ma Ra Malai, along with crowd favorites such as TimiBhane and he Pepsi Umanga NATHM Food to good music? Khaseka Tara. Fiesta 2014, organized by the e event will start o with a cultural Cobweb thirteenth batch of the National fashion show and a dance performance. Veteran hard rockers Academy for Tourism and Hospitality One of the major events of the day will Cobweb willbe making Management (NATHM), is an be the Food Carving Competition, where the crowd move Tevent for all the foodies in Kathmandu to chefs from various ve star hotels will be with classics such as Mercedez Benz, look forward to. Being held on Saturday, competing against each other. ere will HidchhuSadhai, Timro 16 August, the fest will feature food items be forty stalls in total to provide fun for the Maya, andNamaste ranging from local to various international aernoon, along with exclusive door prizes along with their About the organizers cuisines. and lucky draws for the expected 6000 trademark covers. For over a decade, sixth semester Hotel Management students from NATHM have been Food is not only the happening thing about visitors. Anuprastha the esta though. Prominent mainstream e Pepsi Umanga NATHM Food Fiesta organizing the food fest as part of their bachelor’s The winners of the degree. This year, they are set to make it the out ts such as 1974 AD, Cobweb, Albatross, 2014 was promoted through a series of Sprite Band Challenge biggest one yet.Sponsored by Pepsi and co- and Anuprastha, underground acts such as events at the college, such as the blood 2008 will be hitting sponsored by Seagram’s Royal Stag, the profits the stage and playing from the Food Fiesta, as well as the fine-dining 3rd Kwarter, Apsica, and Soul Solitude, along donation program on 15 July, the Suzuki their popular songs with a couple of fresh local bands will be Hospitality Cup, and a ne dining program event that took placeearlier,will be contributed to Din, Guff, and the National Disability Unity Centre. playing at the fest. Who doesn’t like swaying with various celebrities on 9 August. JadaiChhu.

Kickstart//Out & About 8 OUT & ABOUT FOOD UMANGA NATHM FOOD FIESTA 2014 Date: 16 August, Time: 10am to 5pm ART AND THEATRE Venue: Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management, Ravi Bhawan, Kathmandu Contact: 9818448622, 9849819663, BLACK IN BEAUTY Date: 14 August to 16 August, Venue: AaVa Group Private Limited, Kathmandu 9849898594, 9841192779 Time: 8am to 11: 30pm, Contact: 984363058 An event to look forward to, the Umanga Nathm Nepal is a beautiful and culturally diverse country but its far western region lacks Food Fiesta 2014 will feature not just food, tourist exposure and development. AaVA Group has thus made a documentary but music, entertainment, and a host of other film focusing on the natural beauty, native cultural practices, as well as the activities as well. This year, the focus will be darker side of the region, keeping the backwardness of the area in mind. The film on multi cuisines, both local and international. exposes the lakes, rivers, mountains, religious sites, trekking destinations, wildlife The bands performing live are 1974 AD, reserves, customs, traditions, and culture of the region. The focus, however, is Anuprastha, Albatross, Cobweb, and more. on the plight of the people of the Far West. The documentary shows the darkness behind the beautiful place, which is why it has been named Black in Beauty. LATE NIGHTS @ THE COFFEE SHOP Date: From 28 May (Every Wednesday to Sunday) Time: 7pm onwards, Contact: 4221711 Venue: The Coffee Shop, Hotel de L’ Annapurna, Durbar Marg

KOLOR - MANDU ART CLASS Busy during the day? Hotel de L’ music setting the mood just right. Sattya Media Arts Collective will be holding an exhibition on Kolor FOR VISUAL Kathmandu from 14 to 21 August at The City Museum. Through Annapurna’s Coffee Shop is now To make your evenings even more COMMUNICATORS Sattya’s Kolor Kathmandu project, enthusiastic artists have turned open late for your convenience. happening, The Coffee Shop has Date: 28 June onwards Kathmandu’s streets into an open gallery, taking street art to a whole Along with a new late night not just deducted prices but also (every Saturday) new level. They have successfully turned the city walls into canvases menu, the cafe has an ideal features four different bands - Time: 7am to 10am and provided a platform for local and foreign artists to explore their setting and great atmosphere, Rudra, Adripta, Cantasta, and Venue: Artree Nepal, creativity. Sattya has brought stories of people and elements from with superior service and live April Rush - performing live. Tripureshwor various parts of the country into the capital. What began as a small Contact: 9803983325, project has now turned into an artist-initiated grassroots social 9841527591 movement. SATURDAY BRUNCH Have you ever wanted to Date: 16 August, Time: 12pm to 4pm be a visual communicator? Venue: The Sunrise Restaurant, Hotel Yak and Yeti If yes, Artree Nepal will Contact: 4248999, Entry: Rs.1800 including taxes for brunch be hosting art classes for (unlimited soft beverages included) visual communicators every Saturday from If you’re hoping to spend a relaxing Saturday with your family, look 28 June. Visual no further than Hotel Yak and Yeti’s Saturday Brunch, presented in communicating is all association with Pepsi. Enjoy a cool dip in the pool and partake in about communicating the international buffet, along with a whole roast lamb, at the hotel’s through 2D visual images Sunrise Restaurant. What more could you ask for? such as signs, typography, drawings, designs, illustrations, industrial designs, advertising, BBQ AT DWARIKA’S MAANKO AAKHA, WINDOWS OF MY HEART animation, and other Date: Every Friday, Time: 6:30pm Date: 27 June to 20 August, Time: 10am to 5pm electronic means. It Venue: Image Ark, Kulimha, Patan Durbar Square, Contact: 5006665 explores the idea of how Venue: Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu, Contact: 4479488 Image Ark has been hosting way we interact with the world. visual messages can Windows of my Heart, an Erina Tamrakar, who has a impact and inform the Enjoy the very special Nepali barbecue at the one of the exhibition by visual artist Erina graduate degree in Fine Arts from audience instead of texts. Tamrakar. The display is an Tribhuvan University, received a Anyone can attend the classiest establishments in the country, Dwarika’s Hotel. adventurous and playful journey fellowship from Korea National classes and the basic art The barbecue session will begin from 6:30pm onwards in 100 paintings between the University of Fine Arts in South materials will be provided outside world and the realm of Korea. Apart from her 15 solo by Artree. The class at Fusion Bar and poolside every Friday. Patrons can the inner self. Traditional ornate exhibitions in Nepal and Korea, will be taught by visual enjoy live music with a live cooking station, salad bars, windows, rickety openings in her work has been exhibited in artists such as Hit Man the wall, and shutters of all many national and international Gurung, Mekh Limbu, and desserts, and much more. kinds are a metaphor for the galleries since 1990. Sheelasha Rajbhandari. 9

MISCELLANEOUS LIVE WIRE GUINNESS WORLD RECORD: WORLD’S LARGEST HUMAN NATIONAL FLAG G.G. MACHAAN Saturday: 16 August Date: 23 August, Venue: Tudikhel, Kathmandu, Time: 6am to 9am Abhishek Mishra (Vocalist and Human Values for Peace and event hopes to gather more than Guitarist of Spirit X) with Katy Prosperity is offi cially attempting 30,000 participants to form the (saxophone) to create the largest human largest human national fl ag. The national fl ag for the Guinness participants will hold a unique Time: 7:30pm onwards World Records. They hope card and display on top of their Location: Jhamsikhel to break the previous record, heads, which will collectively Contact: 9841834476 which consisted of 28,957 form the national fl ag of Nepal. (Abhishek); 5554291 participants achieved by Punjab The best view of the fl ag can be Youth Festival in 2014. The obtained aerially. MANNY’S EATERY & TAPAS BAR Every Fridays Shabnam Gurung and Dinesh HANDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT Neupane (Live Ghazals) Date: 15 August, Time: 5pm to 10pm Time: 7pm onwards MUSIC & PARTIES Location: Jawalakhel, Venue: Base Camp, Contact: Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur Shaligram Hotel Complex SUNBURN GRIND Entry: Rs.250 Contact: 015536919 Date: 16 August, Time: 1pm, Venue: International Club, Entry: Rs.500 MOKSH Experience pool parties reach a whole new level. Get tanned during the Volunteers Felicani Viviani from Gucci and Every Tuesday fun fi lled event brought to you by Divine Entertainment. The party will Rohit John Chhetri Jinhee Parl from Yves Saint Laurent have fl own Time: 7pm onwards feature a Divine stage, curved cave entrance, neon photo booth, bubble Location: Jhamsikhel machines, glowing pool, gift hampers, aqua soccer, and more. all the way from Italy through Planete Urgence Contact: 5528362 to train women involved in the stitching and knitting project, Haushala. The duo will help the EMBASSY RESTRO & BAR Thursday: 14 August TRIBUTE TO TOOL economically struggling women, who, in turn, will Salsa workshop with Riyaz and Date: 23 August, Time: 3pm to 4pm, learn new designs, pattern making, and various his crew Venue: Purple Haze Rock Bar, Thamel. stitching techniques on fabrics. The products will Friday: 15 August Contact: 9843664132, 9804946107 be showcased at the venue, while the volunteers Unplugged show by ‘Prayas Band’ Entry: Rs.300 (pre sales), Rs.500 (door sales) will also share their experiences. The attendees can interact with the volunteers as well as the Every Sunday, Monday, The Tribute Series is back for its fi fth edition Tuesday and Wednesday workers. A live band will follow the event. Piano night by Pema and this time they are paying homage to the progressive rock outfi t Tool. Paying the show will Saturday: 16 August Live acoustic show by be Kamero, a band consisting of six musicians, KOSELI SCHOOL’S “KUCH BHI HO SAKTA HAI WITH ANUPAM KHER” Dharmender and Bittu who will cover 16 Tool songs. The tribute show Date: 22 August, Time: 5pm Time: 6:30pm onwards Venue: Army Offi cer’s Club, Bhadrakali Location: Lazimpat will also witness the launch of the offi cial website Ticket Price: Rs.5000 Golden tickets (main event + entry to the Contact: 4424040 of Headbangers Nepal who aim to promote the after party), Rs.3000 Silver tickets (main event + entry to the after party),Rs.1500 Bronze tickets (main event) TAMARIND RESTRO AND BAR underground and mainstream bands of the country . Contact: 9801034345, 9801074430, [email protected] Every Thursday, Sunday and Monday Koseli School Nepal presents Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai with Anupam Live piano by Sunil Singh Kher [Live in Nepal]. The critically acclaimed one-man play tells the story of a man headed towards failure who manipulates his destiny to Wednesday: 27 August become a success. Proceeds from the show will go towards educating Prayas (band) the children of Koseli School. Saturday: 16 August Supersonic (band) Time: 7:00pm to 10:00pm Location: Jhamsikhel Contact: 5522626 JAZZ UPSTAIRS Wednesday: 27 August, Monsix Time: 7:00pm onwards Location: Lazimpat Contact: 4416983 MADHUSALA Every Friday till Wednesday Uday & Manila Sotang live with Jeewan Kalapremi and Nava Ratna (band) Time: 7:15-11:30 pm Location: Durbar Marg OUTDOORS Contact: 4223613 BEAT THE HEAT AT WATER FRONT RESORT TAMAS LAYA Wednesday: 27 August BORDERLAND MONSOON SPECIAL OFFER Venue: Water Front Resort, Lake Side, Pokhara Open Night with Jovan Date: 14 August, Time: 2:30pm (pick up point at Sorakhutte) Contact: (61) 466303, Entry: Rs.5,555 (per person) Contact: 9801136111, [email protected], Date: Monsoon Offer Friday: 15 August (Naxal) (Applicable till 15 September, 2014) Accoustix For Nepali: Rs.2500 only on full board, For Foreign Nationals: US$39 only on Enjoy the warm weather at Water Front Resort. Their Time: 7:00-10:00pm full board (three meals and overnight stay) Location: Naxal summer package includes a twin sharing deluxe Contact: 4414395 Unwind from the hustle of kayaking and more fun activities accommodation for two nights, free airport or bus everyday life and relax at at Borderlands Eco-adventure 8 DEGREES station transfers, daily breakfast and dinner for a Friday 15 August Borderlands Eco-adventure Resort. The Monsoon offer also Loadshedding (band) Resort’s Monsoon Getaway. But includes complimentary hikes night, and special discounts on other activities as Time: 7:00pm onwards that’s not all. To quench your to Nagpuje and Gati village as well. The package is for Nepali citizens only and is Location: Jhamsikhel thirst for adventure, you can also well as an exploration of the valid until 15 September. Contact: 5543740 take part in rafting, canyoning, 140-meter Borderlands Falls. 3 4 1 2

2 3 1 FLEETING WORLD 4 AUGUST, SIDDHARTHA ART GALLERY PRINCESS JAYANTI Nothing lasts forever which is why we ACHIEVEMENT AWARD have to learn to let go of things and 5 6 fi nd peace in what we have. Tiffany CEREMONY Singh’s artwork as a whole represents 4 AUGUST, HOTEL ANNAPURNA the spirituality and peace that we are always in search of. She put together her Hotel de L’ Annapurna, along with the beliefs on the three fl oors of Siddhartha Jayanti Memorial Trust (JMT), presented Art Gallery. The fi rst fl oor displayed awards to the top three female achievers prayer ribbons with bells representing studying at the Nepal Academy of Tourism the rain that makes things grow. On the and Hotel Management (NATHM) in the second fl oor, she showed a documentary annual Princess Jayanti Achievement of her quest for spirituality. The third Award Ceremony. Established in 2002, the fl oor was aesthetically beautiful, with purpose of the award is to provide support vermillion powder spread across the room to young women at a graduate level. and lights placed right in the center. Hotel Annapurna alongside JMT funds a The evening came alive with her faith. scholarship program that is created mainly Though unusual, Tiffany Singh’s artwork for female students at NATHM. for female 4 connected with my spirituality. students at NATHM. 1.Hitman Gurung 2.Lisa Choegyal 3.Andy Sparkes 4.Tiffany Singh 1.Asmita Giri 2.Shivani Shah 3.Archana Thapa Magar 4.Paras Rana 5.Deepak Raj Giri 6.Sreejana Rana

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“The place to be if you are shopping for some trendy quality fabrics.” Niti Shah KTM CTY UNVEILED 8 AUGUST, DURBAR MARG The ANTA showroom for male and female apparel in Durbarmarg added to its clothing line an exclusive range of garments and accessories from KTM CTY. During an offi cial inauguration ceremony held in the presence of 50 invitees and the media, the showroom showcased its latest sequences on the ramp walked by @House of Fashion models. Emceed by Anupama Aura Gurung, the fashion show unveiled over eight sequences of casual wear, couple wear, leisurewear, and sports apparel and gear. The organizers disclosed that the KTM CTY brand would soon be available at all other ANTA 1.Niti Shah 2.Anisha Karki 3.Prazoo Shrestha and showrooms across the city. On its introductory offer, the showroom offered discounts of Aakash Shrestha 4.Prathit Bikram Singh 5.Basana Timilsina up to 30% on its products. 6.Prisa Shrestha 7.Nima Norbhu Sherpa 8.Salin Man Baniya 6 7 1 2 3 4 5

WORDS AND SPACES 11 12 8 - 10 AUGUST, THE CITY MUSEUM KATHMANDU The City Museum Kathmandu opened its doors for its three-day long art and literature festival, Oho! My Word, on Friday. The exhibition explored the possibilities of how words can exist in space through different media. As part of the opening day, the exhibits showcased selected prose and poetry by young Nepali writers that were intepreted and presented by differnt art medium by emerging young, national and international artist. Members of Word Warriors performed slam poetry to a rapt audience while bands like Jugaa, Squirt Guns, and Social Nerve performed at the post launch party. Volume three of La.Lit, a literary magazine, was launched at the Museum Courtyard on the second day of the Oho! My Word festival, with readings and a panel discussion featuring writers Buddhisagar, Yug Pathak, 13 14 Muna Gurung, and Weena Pun. 9 10 8

1.Uzair Sawal 2.Sushil Manandhar 3.Subash Thebe 4.Irina Giri 1 3 2 5.Dishebh Raj Shrestha 6.Marina Lama and Sunny Tuladhar 7.Muna Gurung 8.Nayan P. Sindhuliya and Buddhisagar 9.Weena Pun and Yug Pathak 10.Pranaya SJB Rana 11.Dia Das 12.Suvani Singh and 15 Kashish Das Shrestha 13.Agrim Lama 14.Mannu Shahi 15.Dipesh Gurung

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LIVE THE LIVA! 5 7 AUGUST, TINKUNE Vaidya Organization of Industries and Trading Houses (VOITH) announced the launch and test drive of the all-new Toyota Etios Liva at its offi ce premise in Tinkune. The Toyota Etios Liva is a fl agship hatchback designed to refl ect the image of Toyota, which is quality, durability, and reliability. The launch was attended by the offi cials of VOITH, members of the press, and customers, while keys were handed out to two brand new Liva owners. The test drive for the Toyota Etios Liva will continue until 14 August from 10am to 5pm even on Saturdays and public holidays. 1.Chitra Bahadur Kunwar 2.Bibek Balami 3.Kailash Rajbhandari 4.Sandhya Shrestha 5.Ritu Vaidya 6.Suraj Vaidya and Rajendra Poudyal Kickstart//Week That Was 12 WEEK THAT WAS

NEW REPRESENTATIVE FOR UNICEF NEPAL UN house, 11 August Tomoo Hozumi, a Japanese national, has been chosen as the Country Representative for UNICEF in Nepal. “It has been a long cherished dream of mine to work in Nepal, and I feel honored to have been selected to carry on the work that UNICEF is doing with the government and partners for the betterment of children and women in this DANCE WITH DON country,” said the new UNICEF Nepal chief. Hozumi obtained his Bachelor’s degree Hotel Annapurna, 6 August in Law in Tokyo in 1985 and a Master’s degree in International Relations from the Graduate School of International Relations from Tokyo University. In 1989, he obtained Kansai Paints is renowned for its use of modern an MPhil in Development Studies from the Institute of Development Studies in the UK. technology and innovation in coating systems. The He has previously served in Bhutan, India, and Cambodia in various capacities. technological edge Kansai possesses is its biggest strength in developing innovative products that meet WEEKEND PLEASURES MERO AVIBEKTI consumer requirements consistently. Kansai Paints Base Camp, 8 to 10 August New Chen Art Gallery, 8 August Nepal recently announced the “Dance with Don”

Base Camp celebrated art and music over three days, from 8 to 10 On a rainy Friday evening, offer. For the fi rst time ever, the mega-Bollywood star August. Seven different artists, a few from Art Lab and some from the opening of artist Puja Shah Rukh Khan, who is also the brand ambassador Base Camp itself took part in the paintings. Live music took place Maharjan Rajbhandari’s fi rst solo in the evenings. Albatross performed on Friday while Hari Maharjan exhibition started off amidst of Kansai Nerolac Paints, will be in Nepal. During Project performed on Saturday. On the fi nal day, Joint Family the calm and spiritual sounds the scheme, consumers who purchase paints worth Internationale concluded what turned out to be a successful weekend. of a sitar. Held at Newa Chen Art Gallery near Patan Durbar Rs.25,000 or above will receive a scratch card that Square, the exhibition, titled will have two scratch sections. The fi rst section COLOR ME SHRAWAN! Mero Avibekti- My Expression, Naxal, 5 to 6 August was opened by Seema Sharma will have direct gifts such as LED TV, refrigerator, Shah, Head of Department of mobile, watch, or a pen signed by Shah Rukh Khan. Catching the theme of the month of Shrawan, Sunrise Bank the Central Department of Fine organized a mehendi event for women, clients and otherwise, on Arts, Tribhuwan University. Also The other will have a unique code that has to be 5 and 6 August. The program, which takes places annually, was present were senior artists such messaged to 4555 for a chance to Dance with the held within the premises of the bank’s Naxal branch. Famous as Madan Chitrakar. mehendi designer Jhunnu Sha was in attendance and could be The works on display were Don, Shah Rukh Khan himself. seen helping ladies with his attractive henna designs. According all based upon themes that to the designer, more than 200 ladies participated in the revolvedaround the female event. Sha’s designs consisted of Rajasthani mehendi fi gure. According to the artist, ETHNIC VIBES and incorporated various patterns, out women, being one of nature’s Russian Culture Centre, 6 August of which fl owery motifs were the many beautiful creations, are most in demand. The event also very sensitive, gentle, and C onceptualized by singer question, “Where is your own managed to bolster the image of affectionate beings. And using Deepak Bajracharya and music?” which was asked to him Sunrise Bank. rhythmic lines, artist Puja directed by Bhushan Dahal, by a member of the audience Maharjan Rajbhandari has tried Cream of Rhythm, a 30-minute at an international concert. The to express the nature, feelings, documentary by Ethnic Nepal question haunted Bajracharya and beauty of women through Foundation was showcased in and led him to rediscover a collection of 18 impressive the presence of dignitaries, traditional Nepali music. He acrylic on canvas paintings. culture experts, and musicians. now plans to harmonize ethnic Instead of focusingsolely The fi lm narrates the journey instruments and music with upon topics such as “violence to understand the essence of Western musical styles to create against women” that traditional Nepali music in music that refl ects the Nepali arefrequently brought to our its various forms. “It was the identity. The purpose of Cream of notice in today’s contemporary outcome of fi ve years of hard Rhythm is to make youths aware art scene, the artist has taken a work,” explained Bajracharya, that our identity is hidden in our different approach by showing who, along with his band mates music. The screening ended with the brighter side of things- the from Rhythm Band, founded a request by presenter Prabhat beauty of women, inside and out. Ethnic Nepal Foundation to Rimal to the dignitaries and preserve and present Nepali expats present to help take ethnic The exhibition will be held till 8 music in a sustainable manner. Nepali music to the international September. It all started with a single platform. 13

MEDIA: OWNERSHIP, INVESTMENT, AND INDEPENDENCE Himalaya Hotel, 10 August Himal Southasian hosted a Neelabh Mishra (Editor, in both traditional and new two panel discussion under Outlook Hindi), Paranjoy media, the panelists assessed BAZAAR the theme ‘Media: Ownership, Guha Thakurta (independent these topics in different South Investment and Independence’ journalist and educator), Asian contexts and presented THE ALPHA APPROACHES on 10 August. Featuring Shubhranshu Choudhary ways forward for journalists Following the success of the All in all, the Alpha seems speakers from around South (journalist and founder, CG Net and media outlets operating Yamaha Ray and Ray-Z in the like an agile performer and, at Asia, the event looked at the Swara) while the moderator in the region. For the second Nepali market, MAW Enterprises, the same time, the easy to use dominant trends in the media, was Kanak Mani Dixit (Editor, session, the panel consisted of the sole authorized distributor of light-weight scooter appears to openings and challenges Himal Southasian) Ameet Dhakal (Editor-in-Chief, Yamaha in Nepal, launched the provide great on-board comfort related to these trends, and Setopati), Farah Ghuznavi all-new Yamaha Alpha scooter with practicality. The Alpha, how journalists and media In the second session, (author and columnist, Dhaka), on 5July at the Everest Hotel, with subtle design cues and houses in the region are ‘Media survival in a changing Siddharhta Varadarajan (senior Kathmandu. smooth lines, looks the part as responding to new realities. environment’, the discussion fellow, Centre for Public Affairs With the tagline “the most well. Leaning more towards the comfortable scooter,” the company A discussion on the impact focused on sustainable models and Critical Theory, Delhi), performing and reliable family claims to provide the best in class of media proliferation on for media and maintaining Soe Myint (Editor, Mizzima, scooter image, it is very suitable comfort, space, and excellent fuel journalistic practice opened journalistic independence in Yangon) while the moderator for Nepali roads. Needless to economy with the product. The say, you can easily expect to see the event. The panel consisted an era of burgeoning growth was Aunohita Mojumdar scooter offers an excellent mileage plenty of these machines on the of Anuradha Bhasin (Executive and content saturation. (Associate Editor, Himal of 62kmpl as per the certification roads very soon! Editor, Kashmir Times), Drawing upon their experiences Southasian) of ARAI (Automotive Research The scooter, with a 113cc air- Association of India). cooled engine, has been priced at LOOKING 4WD The Alpha, claiming to be Rs.1,69,900 and comes with a the “most comfortable,” boasts Kathmandu, 9 August two year warranty and eight free the longest seat in the segment services. Offered in five exciting (800mm), a spacious leg space color options- Magical Magenta, The Yeti 4WD Club, a non-profit of 250mm, and the largest Graceful Grey, Radiant White, leisure group, organized a one- under seat storage capacity in Brilliant Black, and Fiery Red, day off-road event in Kathmandu the segment (21 liters).The the Alpha is now available for on 9 August. The 20 4x4 wheel seat is long enough to easily purchase or test ride at Yamaha vehicles that took part in the accommodate the rider and the showrooms all over Nepal. affair made their way from Hotel pillion rider at ease, and the Radisson to Shivapuri National provided leg space is Park where the off-road trails plenty for a tall rider. The began. The participants, after slim and flat seat of the navigating through rock-laden Alpha also provides short roads and mud pools, ended up riders with an easy leg at Gorkarna Forest Resort where a reach to the ground. wonderful BBQ lunch, raffle, and a mini auto expo awaited them. The expo featured the latest SUVs and crossover vehicles available in the market. They could also be Yeti 4WD Club further stated, by delivering food, water, taken for test rides.“Many people “Nepal does not have a club and shelter. The event in Kathmandu own four wheel that promotes responsible was well received by the drives but they don’t know much outdoor recreation and Yeti avid off-roaders who took about their functions. One of the 4WD Club aims to do that.” part and the club looks reasons why we started this club The Club also believes in forward to expanding their was to make people aware about giving back to society and has community in the days to their vehicles, besides promoting plans to operate “relief and come. responsible outdoor recreation rescue” missions whenever “You want to be through domestic tourism,” said needed. They recently helped adventurous but you don’t Gaurav Man Sherchan. Vivek provide much needed aid to want to take any risks.”- B. Basnyat, Founder/Director of the Sunkoshi Flood Victims Gaurav Man Sherchan

D.A.O. LALITPUR REGD. NO.77-066/67 ECS MEDIA PVT. LTD, KUPONDOLE, LALITPUR, NEPAL. 5011571. NO. 234 21 AUGUST 2014

The Smarter Entertainment Weekly Publisher: ECS MEDIA PVT. LTD. SPECIAL FARE PROMOTION Editor: SUNIL RAJ SHRESTHA Sub-Editor: SUJAN G.AMATYA Director, Editorial & Marketing: NRIPENDRA KARMACHARYA Copy Editor: VISHAL RAI Qatar Airways is offering customers in Nepal up to 25% Sr. Manager, Editorial & Marketing: SUDEEP SHAKYA Editorial Co-ordinator: ASTHA JOSHI, SASHANT PRADHAN Editorial Manager: UTSAV SHAKYA In-house writers: GIRISH SUBEDI off on Economy Class and Premium cabin fares. The Legal Advisor: HIRA REGMI Design Executive: SUNIL MAHARJAN Assistant Design Executive: RABI MAHARJAN, SAMIR RAJ TAMRAKAR promotion, which runs till 15 August, offers customers Design Assistants: NARAYAN MAHARJAN, SUDIP MAHARJAN Color Separation & Printed at: Manager, Photography: DASH B. MAHARJAN WordScape The Printer Pvt. Ltd. the opportunity to travel to a variety of destinations Assistant Manager, Photography: HARI MAHARJAN Bhaisepati, Lalitpur Photographers: PRAJWAL MAHARJAN, RABINDRA PRAJAPATI, 5590306, 5591112 across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas Distributor: Kasthamandap UMESH BASNET, YOGENDRA MAHARJAN, AMAR RAI, Distribution Pvt. Ltd. 424.7241 NIRAJ MAHARJAN, ASHMIN MAHARJAN Business Development Head: ANGIRAS MANANDHAR at very attractive fares. Qatar Airways has seen rapid DISCLAIMER Assistant Manager, Business Development: SACHIN TAMRAKAR Details of the event listings are accurate as per information received before the date the Sr. Executive, Business Development: NIRBHEEK SUBEDI growth in just 17 years of operations, to the point where weekly goes for printing. Fr!day is not responsible for any changes. Ad Enquiries: [email protected] Columnists are entitled to their own views and opinions. They do not necessarily reflect Sr. Executive, Production & Distribution: BIKRAM SHRESTHA it is currently flying a fleet of 134 aircraft to 144 key the views and opinions of ECS Media and the organizaton cannot be held liable for the Subscription & Distribution Coordinator: SUJAN SHRESTHA same. Readers are encouraged to write to us at [email protected]

Official Digital Marketing Partner - ADS MARKET PVT. LTD [4218069] www.facebook.com/fridayweekly business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Our sister publications Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and the Americas. Kickstart//Myspace 14 A Dream Studio After having played with Mukti & Revival and Looza:, Sunit Kansakar recently started a band called Kanta Dub Dub. But when he’s not playing, he is in his studio Rec Records, where the likes of Albatross, Astha Tamang Maskey, Jindabaad, Sabin Rai, and Antim Grahan have recorded.

ANUTARA SHAKYA

How did you get the audio that helped us idea of building a understand where each studio in your own element should go. We Sound Monitors: These started with very little house? speakers belong to Greg. Before I set up the cash so it took years for He left them here in my studio, this is where the studio to develop Robin and Looza used into what it is now. It watch and I’ve been using to practice. I think every was never a case of them in the studio. They are musician has a dream of investing all our money DynaAudio products; they owning a record studio and buying everything are made in Denmark and of his own and I was that we needed at once have a lot of sound depth. no different. I wanted a because we didn’t have place of my own where much to start with. I could record my own songs. So, my friend Do you think this Sarad and I decided to studio would have build a recording studio been better if it and we ended up using had been built by this space. professionals? This studio means a Don’t your neighbors lot to me because we complain? created it on our own Well, we have sound with help from Greg absorbers so the room Simons, our teacher. He is soundproof. I haven’t knew a lot about sound heard any complaints engineering and his The mic was a gift from so far so that’s a good knowledge helped us set I play the sitar and Greg when we installed thing. this place up the right guitar but I usually way. He even let us use this place. I was really I had a school friend living in the have my guitars some of his instruments. touched by his gesture. Was it diffi cult to US send this to me. He bought in the studio. I build your own We couldn’t have done it It’s a Rode, a brand that is this Mackie32/8b on eBay. It’s have three electric studio? without him and I think used by many professional cheap but has the best grade and guitars and two Sarad and I used to it makes this studio recording studios. its amplifi er is really good. study sound engineering more special because we acoustic ones. together and there know every nail that’s we learnt the basics been hammered into regarding sound and this place.

16

PARTYLINES “It’s about identity and CHITTER - CHATTER HEARD AT EVENTS pride; it makes you feel like it’s your music. ” Deepak Bajracharya, singer and President of Ethnic Nepal, on ethnic music, during the screening of Cream of Rhythm, a 30-minute documentary that was showcased at the Russian Culture Centre.

“At the grassroots level, only ‘heroines’ and lok dohori singers are recognized. ere are no Miss Nepals.” Former Miss Nepal Sugarika KC on how Miss Nepals are yet to be widely known, at the 20th anniversary celebration of the pageant, held at Hotel Radisson.

“This is“Your my firsthelp speech is required since andthe first Miss Nepalso are pageant. your checks.” It has taken me 20 yearsJoseph to Silvanus,welcome at the you.” opening of Gopal SundarGallery LalDrishti, Kakshapati on the development, at the 20th of the anniversarybanking celebration sector and of art,the heldpageant, at Standard held at Hotel Radisson.Chartered Bank Nepal Ltd, Lazimpat. “The tradition of saying ‘Bholi’ is as relevant today as it was during Bhanubhakta’s time.” Shirish Bikram Thapa, singer, at the launch of his music video Bholi Bholi that took place on Bhanu Bhakta Acharya’s 201st birth anniversary.

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Degaa Restro Lounge is located in the busy CHAKSHU MALLA, Cyclist Kumaripati area of Lalitpur. You may need to Being a cyclist requires climb a few stairs to reach the place, but it is comfortable clothes but worth every step. Degaa’s interior refl ects Newari comfortable shoes are also an ethnicity; stepping in there is like being inside absolute must. Chakshu Malla a Newari home. Degaa specializes in Newari as loves wearing his black Salomon well as Indian cuisines. Among its specialties are Ultra 3D shoes while travelling. Aloo Tareko, Chicken Hazarbi Kebab, and Mutton It is not only stylish but easy to Banyara Kebab, while the Fokso Tareko is fi nger- put on and is perfect licking delicious. A majority of the customers here for his adventurous are regulars. The place has a family environment, trekking and and screenings are held if there are important mountain matches taking place. Degaa also has a good biking collection of imported as well as domestic liquors. trips.

RAJ GYAWALI, Founder of Social Tours Raj Gyawali of Social Tours is not brand conscious but he is very particular about his gear for the different activities he participates in. He recalls wearing shorts for 300 days last year and says that pants are just not his thing. THE WEEK AHEAD Although we A GUIDE FOR WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK don’t know what brand he carries AUTO-UPDATE! around we do FITNESS TRAINING WITH know what he doesn’t AMPLE SPACE, AMPLE COMFORT have in his The new Yamaha Alpha has hit the town, and here is what you need to do. NIRMALA MAHARJAN bag - shorts! Engine Price Nirmala Maharjan is a fi tness trainer who teaches Zumba and The air-cooled 113cc engine with The price of the Yamaha Alpha has aerobics in addition to giving circuit, personal, and weight lifting KARISHMA KARKI, Architect a constantly erratic transmission been marked at It lessons. She is also a member of the Bodybuilding Association Rs.1,69,900. Karishma Karki, despite having offers a level acceleration and comes with two years warranty and and the fi rst female bodybuilding judge in Nepal. Below, she a swimmer’s body, carries lovely pick up. eight free services. opens up about her fi tness rules with Fr!day. chocolates and fruit juice with How many days do you workout help tone our body and build Power and Performance her at all in a week? strength. With these exercises, The BS24 carburetor with Throttle times, along HOW SUITABLE IS IT FOR Six days. even when we stop working Positioning Sensor (TPS) conveys with her NEPAL? out, our bodies won’t gain running performance, admirable iPod. She It runs on a 113cc engine Do you have a personal trainer? much weight. fuel effi ciency, and fi ne emission defi nitely and has a mileage of almost No, I don’t. I workout by features. has a love 35km per liter, making it very myself. Which is your favorite gym? for food and Suspension economical in Nepal’s context. My favorite gym is Fitness music! Yamaha has jacked the scooter with The scooter is equipped with How many meals do you eat Studio Nepal, Uttardhoka, Telescopic Suspension making it a telescopic shock that can in a day, and what do they Lainchour because it bears a perfect for Nepali streets. withstand even bumpy roads. include? friendly environment and has ANUP BARAL, Director We may not have the best of It’s usually four meals a day everything a gym requires. Anup Baral carries Mileage roads in our country, but that with fewer carbohydrates but his Nivea sunblock The Alpha is certifi ed for the should not be a problem with high protein. Do you have an idol you lotion, windcheaters, delivery of an impressive mileage the Yamaha Alpha. look up to for inspiration? and Nike sneakers of 62 km/l by ARAI (Automotive How do you stay in shape? Yes, my dad who has always while travelling. But Research Association of India). I keep myself fi t by exercising pushed my limits. he loves his North Available Colors daily and indulging in a Face backpack. The Yamaha Alpha is presented balance diet. What exercises do you do when in fi ve color options– Magical you are working out? Magenta, Graceful Grey, Radiant Do you eat junk food? I usually do cardio exercises, FR!DAY RECOMMENDS Yes, I let go of my strict diet weight training, Zumba, White, Brilliant Black, and Product: Salmon 3D shoes Fiery Red. rules once in a while. I believe aerobics, and circuit training. junk food hampers our body Available at: Gift House, only if we aren’t working out. How do you prioritize your time Bishal Bazaar, Newroad - for working out? 4224955 Do you workout alone or with a I workout early in the morning Product: Shorts partner? so I don’t have to bargain for Available at: Inception, Civil I like to workout alone because time for exercises during the Mall - 4251645 it is peaceful that way and day. it helps me concentrate on Product: iPod Available at: Techno Store, myself. What are some exercises that City Centre can help a person shed weight? What is your favorite exercise, We can shed weight easily by Product: Northface Bagpack and why? following a routine exercise Available at: Sherpa Weight training and toning that involves cardio, weight Adventure Outlet, Thamel - because these exercises training, and stretching. 4445101 Entertainment//Location Scan 18 5 THINGS TO DO AT THE CITY MUSEUM It’s common for visitors to walk down the alley of the museum, so why don’t you sit in the courtyard and feed the fi sh instead? Yes, there are tiny fi shes that love to hide beneath the plants. You just need to inform one of the staff members before feeding them. ONE

If you’re a fi rst timer at this space, do not miss out on walking on the glass fl oor that looks down onto the stage below. Walk slowly and confi dently to reach out to the fi g tree next door. TWO

The best time to visit the museum is probably at dusk, after 5pm. Observe the beautiful sunset and evening bird fl ights from the gallery. Take some pictures and post them on Instagram too. THREE FOUR Read the small collection of newspapers and FIVE magazines from around the world – La.Lit, Enjoy good music, coffee, and pastries at the New Yorker, and I.Q, among others. the Fig Café. But more than that, wallow in They also have books from national and the creative environment. With free WiFi and international authors. Or better yet, read the plenty of room to work, write the fi rst chapter writings on the walls. You can do all of this of your book, sketch out the fi rst draft of your at the Fig Café. article, or create the fi rst scene of your movie. WHAT’S NEW, DURBAR MARG?

ANTA showroom, Durbarmarg, has added an exclusive range of garments and accessories from ALL KINDS OF ANTA KTM CTY. Here’s the deal! • The basement at the ANTA fl agship • Their premium ANTA • Special discounts of up to 30% • It’s been confi rmed offi cially showroom in Durbarmarg fl aunts a tops and bottoms are available at this section of that KTM CTY garments will huge variety of vibrant and colorful range from Rs.1500 the showroom. As you move up be available at all ANTA sportswear for the ladies. Ranging from to Rs.10000 while you’ll fi nd men’s sportswear, store in Nepal very soon. apparel to accessories, particularly footwear prices men’s casual wear, KTM CTY The remaining stores in footwear, the trendy section offers the gradually increase apparel (a new addition), and Kathmandu are located most comfortable and wide range of from Rs.2000 all the women’s casual wear by ANTA at Jyatha, Jawalakhel, training and running attire. way to Rs.10000. on the uppermost fl oors. Bouddha, and KL Towers. 19 Entertainment//Timeoff

The Perfect Marriage Nothing befi ts a summer evening like a tall glass of chilled beer. Couple it with a big cut of juicy meat and the night will be as good as it can get.

AKRITI SHILPAKAR

breezy August day in Nepal means clear blue skies dotted with colorful kites that race each other to touch the highest point and stay there the longest. It isA a beautiful time and Hotel Radisson has cashed in on the opportunity to give you its very best. The hotel has introduced a Burger, Sizzler, and Beer food festival at its Terrace Garden restaurant to fit the holiday environment. The month long fest, which kicked off on 1 August, features international beers bites had sweet raisins and nut crumbles sinful. And the pork arrived in its full that compliment the protein-infused that worked as a surprise element. This regality, complimented by seasonal dishes. Although burgers and sizzlers small detail managed to lift the dish. Yet, veggies and cheese baked potatoes. The have always been a part of the hotel’s regardless of how fascinatingly good it two humongous cuts of pork were laden menu, this time around they are special was, if I were to make an order any other with herb butter with a hint of honey that and a different experience altogether. day, the carnivore in me would go for the cut through the richness of the protein’s It is the varieties in the two dishes that meat version. The side dish was a stack of fattiness. The smokiness from the sizzle will take you by surprise. The Hawaiian crispy French fries, good on its own, and was infused throughout the dish, reaching Burger option is intriguing. Served a dollop of fresh coleslaw. the potatoes smothered in cheese and with a slice of grilled pineapple atop a The second dish being promoted at the veggies. Take a glass of chilled beer with juicy patty, its mere mention is enough fest is the sizzler. But like I mentioned either dish and your day is set. Mine to entice the palate. There is a Chicken earlier, it is different. When we hear definitely was. Burger as well. However, I went with the sizzler, the visual is of a sizzling wooden veggie option at the recommendation of platter with a layer of boiled and grilled Senior Sous Chef, Rajeev Shrestha. veggies, loaded with a heap of noodles, The heart of any burger is the patty. topped with a chunk of grilled meat, While most veggie burgers around town “We experimented mostly chicken. While the picture of are carelessly slapped together with a a lot with the rub the sizzler at Garden Terrace matches mixture of vegetables that lack texture for our dishes most of these details, it has removed the before settling for noodles. The dish is closer to a barbecued and flavor, the ensemble at Radisson Cazun, a North represented the hotel’s reputation - 5 star! American spice. protein, sizzling with a fiery dash of wine, It was commendable how the kitchen The suggestions and and served on a wooden plate. You have team thoughtfully designed a veg patty inputs of the guests the option of picking from Pork Chop, have been invaluable Chicken Pepperita, and Cottage Cheese. to be a structure of taste and texture. during the entire The outside layer was crispy and golden process.” Eating two veg dishes in a row in a day is not good for a carnivore’s health, and and the inside a creamy, soft mélange of Sr. Sous Chef Rajeev carrots, pumpkin, and cottage cheese. Shrestha, Hotel although a pepper sauce laded chicken While the taste was mellow overall, some Radisson. is tempting, I consider sidelining pork READING 2.0 20 Lately, there has been an increase in talks about reading culture, Nepal as a hub for bibliophiles, literary critics, and readers who view books as a way of life and a form of expression.

ANUBHUTI POUDYAL

eading is a continuous activity names to the readers of Nepal. ough the schools for about six months now. We introduce guided by the sheer addiction to bookstore is not currently in operation, Quixote’s children to the literary space through our mobile books and thoughts of people. Avid Cove still promotes and supports literature library.” readers nd books to be a retreat through various initiatives. e bottomline is simple: students should from everything that comes with be able to make reading a way of life. “If we are life, including life itself. Sometimes NEW MEDIUMS talking speci cally about how school-going itR can be dicult to nda favorite book. It takes Rabi apa, the Editor of La. Lit literary magazine children read, then I think we need to be able a while to move from there to nding a favorite and an avid reader,says he’s lucky to have been to bridge the gap between what they read in genre. ere are even fewer whouse written words born into a family that loved reading, and to have schooland what they want to read. It’s basically as forms of expression. It is something that has to attended a school that had an amazing library. about how are we raising the stakes in their develop over time. For most, its roots go back to “We do not have many options for reading here learning and their willingness to both read and childhood and an exposure to reading. But slowly, in Nepal, which is part of the reason why projects write,” says Muna Gurung, a writer and educator groups of readers have been tryingtoinject in like Book Bus are doing so well. ey introduce based in New York City. people a bug for reading. children to books,” he states. “I feel that there is a need to rede ne what we It was through Quixote’s Cove’s initiative that mean when we talk about ‘reading’ or a ‘reading ENTER THE COVE Book Bus was introduced to Nepali schools. “e culture.’ Is real reading de ned as reading only Quixote’s Cove opened as an independent idea is to show how books are supposed to be ‘serious books’? Is reciting parts of the Bhagavad bookstore in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur in March 2009. handled and arranged,” says Pranab Man Singh Gita every day considered reading? If someone is ey, however, did not just sell books. Broadly of Quixote’s Cove. “Many schools in Nepal do reading comic books, is he or she really ‘reading’?” speaking, they sold a habit ofreading. rough not have good library facilities, which is where questions Gurung. interaction programs and panel discussions, the Book Bus comes in. It is, literally, a bus with Reading doesn’t have to revolve around the readers and writers celebrated books and learned a library. It has books arranged neatly in shelves classics or critically acclaimed books. It could to be critics, a characteristic that is probably and we have been taking it to be anypiece of writing you want to read. Once missing in many Nepali readers. From interactions this simple fact is realized, innumerable doors to with famous writers originating from this region devouring books open! such as Samrat Upadhyay, Manjushree apa, and Prajwal Parajuli to WORD WARRIORS international names like Peter Gurung believes thatthe reading K. Fogtdal and Sarah Kay, habits of young people are based Quixote’s brought renowned on what they crave. It could be a story that distracts them

ON THE COVER Muna Gurung is a writer and an educator based in New York City. Her short story Pep Talk was awarded the second prize at La.lit’s Writing Nepal competition in 2013 and was published in La.lit: Vol. 2.

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Location Courtesy: International Club, Sanepa, 5550861 21

from reality, or just something they can MORE book has translated works from around understood,” says Pranab. relate to. “Reading doesn’t have to be ABOUT LA.LIT the world.  e idea, however, remains limited to books. It can be extended to La.Lit Volume III the same. It is a unique way of bringing NOOKS AND BOOKS storytelling and listening and a variety of includes works by expression of thoughts in a language that Ramalaya, Café Soma, Himalayan other mediums,” she says. Gurung herself Sherman Alexie, Buddhisagar, we can most relate to. Java, and Café U are some of the many did not grow up reading or being read to, Ryszard Kapuscinski, “More than anything, we want to expand names around Kathmandu that promote at least not in the conventional sense. “My and Khagendra Nepali literature.  e idea is to make sure reading through co ee.  ey also have mother and brothers told me ghost stories. Lamichhane, along that the unique experiences from around books for sale and, more importantly, When adults sat around talking about the with Dinesh Kafl e’s translation of the world reach the people in Nepal, in a customer can read a novel and spend good and bad things in life, I sat around Benyamin’s Goat a language they cannot just understand hours over a cup of co ee without being listening to them.  ose were moments Days, poems by but can also relate to. Similarly, when frowned at.  ese places give you the that I consider being read to, those were Swapnil Smriti and we translate Nepali works to English, peace of mind you need to read. my texts,” she says. Stuart McCarthy, Rosei Ono’s essay we introduce our literature to the world. Injecting reading culture into people For expressive writers to come out on translations,  is expands our horizon.  is ultimate with the hopes of witnessing immediate of children, we need to help them stay an interview with expression of experiences in languages results is not the right way to look at connected to the reader in them. Right Michael Hutt about that inspire us is what La.Lit ultimately things. A good way is to start early to Speak is a project that has been translations, English short stories by looks forward to,” says Prawin Adhikari, and then provide a strong platform implemented for the sole purpose of Samrat Upadhyay, Associate Editor of La.Lit. through initiatives such as book clubs, helping children express what they feel. Sushma Joshi, and  e diversity of languages in Nepal is discussions, and magazines to keep It is a powerful platform where children Hansda Showvendra huge, which is also a major disadvantage. feedingreaders with new insightful around Nepal are asked to use language Shekhar, and an essay by Manjushree Thapa. “We do not have writers who can translate ideas from around the world. I read and spoken word poetry to express Most of the Nepali works from Nepal Bhasa or  aruto Nepali somewhere that the saddest thought themselves. Word Warriors, a slam works are translated in and then English. We probably have great a bibliophilecould have is his or poetry group,has been travelling around English and vice versa pieces of work somewhere in Nepal in a her inability to read every book in Kathmandu and Nepal to inspire students to omit the barrier of language in the language we don’t understand.  e best existence. With the kind of love we and to let them know the importance expression of ideas way to share an expression is to make have for books, how about we give it a of words as a form of expression. Right from around the world. it accessible in a language that is most try? to Speakis a new addition to the list of projects that are helping students develop a love for art and expression as a whole. But challenges in their command of the Nepali and English language can be a hindrance. It is also di cult to inspire students to open up in a short duration. Some students may be non-responsive while others can easily show disinterest. However, changing culture and society takes time and e ort; challenges make the journey memorable. Meanwhile, Right to Speak is all set to help students create works they can be proud of.

LA.LIT: A LITERARY MAGAZINE Literary magazines are contemporary forms of writing; they represent the times we live in. La.litpresents literature in its nest form. With two volumes of the magazine already out, La.lit has set a standard for literature in the country. “ e La.Lit team consists of people who enjoy the daily contact with literature. We wanted to come up with a literary magazine that could represent established and new writers and, at the same time, leave a substantial legacy of literature,” shares Rabi  apa.  e rst volume of La.Lit came out in January 2013. It consisted of ctional and non- ctional work from writers around the world. “It was an amalgamation of the nest forms of expression, all under the same celebrated name – La.Lit,” says Pranab Man Singh, who also is the Assistant Editor of the magazine.  e second volume, launched in August 2013, published new ction work from Nepal. Samrat Upadhyay sponsored the Writing Nepal Short Story Competition, which received 157 entries.  e best works were given space in the magazine. On 9 August, the third volume of La.Lit was launched at a special event in  e City Museum Kathmandu. Amidst discussions and interactions, all focusing on di erent forms of expression, La.Lit Volume III was introduced to the public.  e third Entertainment//Getaway 22 A Sacred Countryside Tucked in the Valley’s southwestern corner is the medieval town of Pharping. It is a predominantly agrarian community, a vestige of Kathmandu’s past that has remained largely unaffected by the capital’s frenetic growth. The area has numerous ancient sites sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike. A trip to Pharping, however, is not just an opportunity to see these holy places; it is a chance to enjoy the many gifts of the countryside.

TEXT BY KAPIL BISHT

he sights change temples and monasteries in the area. dramatically beyond Chobar  e monasteries here attract with their gorge. Kathmandu’s ugly beauty and enrapture with their peaceful congestion is blocked atmosphere. Perhaps the most eye-catching from view.  e road going of them all is the huge, pagoda-style to Pharping bends and monastery in Bhanjhyang.  is gargantuan climbs gently, and in front of you, below building is like a signpost signaling the Tin the valley, terraced elds stretch into beginning of an area gripped by a feverish the distance.  e Bagmati seems to be zeal to build big monasteries. recovering from the horror of  owing  is sprouting of monasteries through the city. It  ows faster here as it is not only good news for the pious but meanders between hills. also for those looking for quiet places.  e scenic – and dangerous if  e further you go toward Pharping, the you keep looking at them while riding or better the views and the older the temples. driving – views keep getting better as you Sheshnarayan Temple is the next sacred site proceed on the road to Pharping. Barely on this trip through a religious landscape. a kilometer from the Chobar gorge is On seeing Pharping you will Taudaha. It is the ideal place to rest your be delighted to nd that a place this tired hands and feet (all that braking and quaint and idyllic could exist so close to pressing down on the clutch). According to Kathmandu.  e succession of old temples the Valley’s mythology, when Manjushree and monasteries is momentarily halted at drained the lake that was Kathmandu the Pharping Bazar, which has a mini mart the nagas (serpents) living in it were le and several restaurants and clothing stores. homeless. Taudaha was where the serpents But two roads go past it, both leading to were relocated. Today, the pond is a refuge sacred places.  e one going south takes for Kathmanduites  eeing the city’s noise you to Dakshinkali and the westward and pollution. Snakes, normal not mythical one goes to an area that has a holy cave ones, can still be seen here occasionally. and several shrines. Whichever one you People usually travel to Pharping take, you will once again be out in the for religious reasons: it’s either to visit countryside,  anked by terraced elds, and the Dakshinkali Temple or the many the rejuvenation of the senses will resume. ESSENTIAL TIPS Special Things to Remember The temples and monasteries of Pharping are charming places. But you have to remember that these are places where at any time several people are meditating, teaching, or praying. You need to be sensitive to this and remember not to act in any way that disturbs such people or other visitors. Also pay attention to signboards to ensure you’re not violating any rules.

Must Haves If you’re going to Pharping on a cycle or motorbike, you need protection against the sun: hats and sunscreen are essential. Carry binoculars to enjoy the opportunities for birdwatching that begin at Taudaha.

Cap: Ripcurl, 9849081251, Durbar Marg Bike: Yamaha FZs, 01-4268252, Tripureshwor Binocular: Gift House, Bishal Bazar, 4228116 Cycle: Commoncal Bikes, Epic Mountain Bike, Jhamsikhel, 985-1008381 23 Entertainment//Getaway

SACRED SITES The places mentioned here appear in this order when going to Pharping. SETI DEVI TEMPLE This small shrine is situated on a knoll behind the big monastery at Bhanjhyang. The graveled road to the temple skirts the western wall of this monastery. The road is too narrow for four- wheelers, so leave them at Bhanjhyang’s small market. After 400 meters there is a small fl ight of stone stairs on the left. These climb to the recently renovated temple. Besides its religious importance, the temple also has wonderful views of Kathmandu and Pharping. Bhanjhyang is 16 km from the Old Bus Park.

SHESHNARAYAN TEMPLE AND RIGZIN DRUBTE GHATSHAL MONASTERY Hindus and Buddhists alike revere the Sheshnarayan Temple area. Sheshnarayan is one of the four important Narayan (Vishnu) temples of the Kathmandu Valley. Beside the temple, its major attraction is a cluster of cow’s udder-like stalactites hanging from a cliff face. It is said milk used to fl ow from them. On the same cliff is a serpentine formation, which devotees take as the image of sheshnaga, the seven-headed serpent of Hindu mythology. The area is sacred for Buddhists because it is believed that Padmashambhava meditated here. A few steps from the temple is a tiny cave with a hole in its ceiling, which devotees believe to be the imprint of Padmashambhava’s head. Contiguous to Sheshnarayan is Pharping’s oldest monastery, Rigzin Drubte Ghatshal. The temple without a roof, a deliberate feature to allow easy access to the deity, and the three small pools of crystal clear water and colorful fi sh are Sheshnarayan’s other attractions.

ASURA CAVE AND OLD DAKSHINKALI TEMPLE The cave in Sheshnarayan isn’t the only place where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated. Asura Cave is yet another site of the famous saint’s rigorous retreats. The cave is located within the premises of the Ngagyur- Nyingmapa Rigzin Phodrang Monastery. To get to the monastery, take the road that forks right (west) from Pharping Bazar. The cave is a short climb from the monastery’s entrance. Further up the hill from the cave, at the summit, is the old Dakshinkali shrine.

GANESH-SARASWATI TEMPLE At the end of the fi rst set of steps going up to the Rigzin Phodrang Monastery, there is a small room. This is the Ganesh-Saraswati Temple. The temple houses images of Ganesh and Saraswati, both of which are said to have surfaced from a rock face on their own.

DAKSHINKALI TEMPLE The temple is dedicated to Kali, the fi erce incarnation of Durga. Worshippers throng this ancient site to seek the blessings of this powerful goddess. What is worth witnessing is the daily puja, during which the inner shrine is closed to visitors.

Kapil Bisht is a freelance writer based in Kathmandu. He has a keen interest in the Valley’s culture and is always on the lookout for sources that can help him better understand its richness. When he is not holed up in his room-library, he likes to trek to remote destinations.

To Get there Buses leave frequently from the Old Bus Park for Pharping. The fare is 30 rupees. After crossing the Ring Road at Balkhu, take the road toward Tribhuvan University. However, do not turn toward the university but continue straight. Pharping Bazar is almost 19 km from the Old Bus Park.

Where to Stay Family Guest House is a good option if you want to stay near the Pharping Bazar. Hotel Ashoka and Dakchhinkali Village Inn are both south of town, on the road to Dakshinkali Temple. Entertainment//Buzzmaker 24

I think, and it was the same for me. I wore the uniform for 43 years, and yes, at times personal life and issues would try to sneak in. Staying in touch and communicating with the family sometimes became very challenging due to the remote locations I was stationed in. The institution of the army has always been my top priority, and when you have your priorities in order, regardless of what profession you are in, everything else falls in place. Speaking of communication, you are surely evolving. You recently started a Twitter feed! Yes, in the modern day and age, social media is one of the most influential and powerful ways of communicating with people and articulating your thoughts and insights. I don’t use it to brag about my personal life though; where I am going, what I am eating, when I am walking, and the like. I am not that hip. I like to use it sometimes to share my thoughts on national and social issues that have moved me. To that end, it serves its purpose nicely. It doesn’t look like you’ve slowed down after your retirement. Not very much. Back then I used to wear a uniform, now I am in civilian clothes. I can spend more time with my family now, which is a bonus. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel a bit, speaking at different events in various countries. What are some things that you do to wind down GeneralAny retelling of Nepal’s modern history would be incompleteTalk without the and relax your mind? I have always enjoyed studying; I find it relaxing mention of General Rookmangud Katuwal. He came into office during a as well as nurturing. When I was young, I crucial juncture of our history, and the decisions he was burdened to make would spend most of my spare time in libraries, reading up on all the things that interested me. determined the course of Nepal and its democracy. Now in an upcoming and I played sports here and there, but mostly out of compulsion. I used to be a big ping-pong much-awaited autobiography he recounts his tenure as the Chief of the Army enthusiast though. Staff and the journey that brought him there. We caught up with him for a You’ve mentioned travelling after retirement. Your candid talk about his book and the man behind the General. career also afforded you the opportunity to travel far and wide, didn’t it? Yes, my years in the army took me many places, SANJIT PRADHANANGA often remote and inaccessible. I have always enjoyed travelling though. Back in the day, when How did the idea of the autobiography come After my retirement, a lot of people from I was still a student, I remember taking a 32-day about? trek to my village, walking through all these little I read a lot of biographies growing up; from various sectors kept reminding me of how settlements in the countryside. I always found it Mahatma Gandhi to Mao Tse Tung. I think exciting when I was able to visit different parts of since then, the idea was imbedded in my sub- the country or the world throughout my career. conscious that if you become an influential and my own personal history was intertwined with renowned person you get to write a biography. What is your favorite nook of the country? The elders in the village I grew up in used to Nepal’s modern history and of how I should set Okhaldunga, because that is where I am from say, “Now that you’re born you might as well and it is really beautiful there. I think eastern become successful. Even if by some misfortune it on paper with a biography. That is what I have Nepal is really serene and I have always enjoyed you become a bandit, then might as well travelling there. There’s lots of greenery and become the chief of the bandits.” Those words attempted to do. happy and colorful folk. The jungles in the West, above Dhangadi, are also worth experiencing as stayed with me, and I someday wanted to You have always enjoyed writing though. well I think. become an influential person who deserved a Yes, I have always been passionate about writing. biography. I wrote many poems and songs as an army man. How about abroad? Also, when I went to England I realized Whenever I was stationed in different parts of the I have been fortunate enough to have had the that unlike in Nepal they meticulously record country, I liked to soak in the different flavors and opportunity to travel the world as well. I have their history. So much so, even the history sights I was seeing and record them lyrically. many fond memories of the River Nile and the of Nepal and many other regions of the Suez Canal, particularly because it is soaked in world have been retold through the British Does this book maintain the image of the army the history of the Gurkhas during the Second perspective. I have always wanted to change man, or does it scratch beneath the surface and World War. I will always remember seeing Niagara that. After my retirement, a lot of people from reveal the man behind the general? Falls in upstate New York for the first time too. various sectors kept reminding me of how my In the book, I recount the days right from my own personal history was intertwined with childhood in Okhaldhunga, to being granted a What message do you have for the youth of the Nepal’s modern history and of how I should generous scholarship by the Late King Mahendra country? set it on paper with a biography. That is what that allowed me to study in the capital, along I have very high regard and hopes for the younger I have attempted to do. with my travails growing up away from home in generation and I have always spoken of the Kathmandu. The book recounts my entire life and importance of the youth. The youth can walk So it is a retelling of modern Nepali history how those events shaped the man I became and for days without food and water, they can sleep through your lenses? the role I ended up fulfilling. anywhere without qualms, they are vibrant and You could say that. During my tenure, I had enthusiastic. I firmly believe that unless they are to make some really critical and decisive You’ve been an army man all your life. You have given the space to exercise their powers, the true decisions, decisions that affected the direction travelled all over the country and the world in the potential of the country cannot be harnessed. It of democracy. So, any retelling of my story process. Was it hard maintaining a personal life is my sincerest hope that the younger generation would be giving a personal perspective as one of all the while? realizes this and seizes the unbound opportunity the central actors of those events. That is a dilemma that comes with any profession and resources that we have in the country. Issue 234 | 21 August th nk

Downstairs, the paintings of Prakash Ranjit and Tsewang Lama explore human nature from within and without. Ranjit’s Beyond Our Cover includes THE NEW ve oil paintings that start o from a surreal landscape depicting the two poles of human sexuality, the male and the female, and delves deeper and deeper into the construction of gender VISUAL roles to nally reach the immanent, androgynous, spiritual core active within each individual. Aglow with a dexterous portrayal of light, the pieces are pleasingly meditative and CULTURE contrast sharply with his video works. BFA exhibition projects are regular occurrences on any city’s art How to Cook is an 11 minute-long map but the one recently held (1 to 7 August) by the seventeen recorded performance that shows the graduates of Kathmandu University’s Department of Graphic artist presumably naked in a bathtub surrounded by vegetables, spices, beads, Communication and Studio Art at the Nepal Art Council was and screws – their shapes visually quite extraordinary in its range of subject, material, and form. redolent with the phallic and the labial -- that he proceeds to pour into the KURCHI DASGUPTA water to cook up his own identity,

continues on next page>> Think/Canvas Conversation 26

which he claims to be fundamentally androgynous.  e two video installations explore the same theme of androgyny through make-up and gender-speci c gestures and actions. Supplemented by the text of his poem, together they build a critical lens to examine current societal values and norms with. Right next to these hang Tsewang Lama’s ve acrylic on canvas works that either segue multiple moments from the harsh, urban cityscape of Kathmandu, superimposes them onto pristine landscapes, or dissects trees to reveal metallic junk in its phloem – all in a warning against humankind’s deadly onslaught on Nature. A theme which is central to Saroj Lamichane’s real and imaginary landscapes ravaged by brick kilns. Cra ed out of brick dust collected from the kilns of Bhaktapur and acrylic paint, Lamichane’s four canvases are replete with smoking kiln-chimneys polluting the surroundings. When he places one against a gleaming snow-peak, the horror of it all strikes home and forecasts an inevitable dissolution. Dissolution, but on a positive note, drives Kiran Maharjan’s project ose and Us in which the artist invigorates the idea of death from an atypical perspective, “death is not the end of the body but a mere stop along a phase that leads to another phase.”  e digital works and acrylic and mixed media wall pieces visualize his research into the preferred state a er the death of real individuals – into music, paper, and trees – while the  oor installation holds vegetables in boxes rising from the soil in an approximate shape of a human form, explicitly correlating decayed  esh with new life. A correlation further explored beautifully through ose and Us III, where a silicon caulking hand is seamlessly gra ed onto a tree branch. Cultural memory, traditions, and myths imbue the works of Bikash Tamakhu, Niroj Maharjan, Ramesh Kadayat, and Kiran Rai. Tamakhu has recreated three massive struts from papier-mache replicating wood carvings from Patan, including those of the kumari and Vishnu. But the struts are style practiced in  imi. Painted white, half-hidden behind a rising wall of concrete they also bear his poem, which is almost an bricks ubiquitous in today’s architecture. incantation. Visually attractive, the series With the juxtaposition, he hopes to could perhaps have done better with a visually transmit the invasion of traditional more incisive argument. Ramesh Kadayat’s spaces of culture by modernity’s blight, 1400 terracotta gurines of horses ritually rampant urbanization. Kiran Rai’s Myths worshipped by the kamaiya community and Motion series of mobile and kinetic in his ancestral Kailali district stands sculptures however tackles the issue more apart from the rest of the show in their intelligently by revitalizing mythic creatures authentic simplicity of vision and message. like the garuda, chepu, and makara that are  eir sheer number is overwhelming and seen everywhere in the Valley. Elegantly squeezed into enclosures, they aptly convey fashioned from papier-mache and scrapyard the artist’s concern for the lack of personal junk, they come to life as viewers turn a and material space allowed to the kamaiya handle or  ick a wheel or a switch and individual, both in life and death. encourage interaction and involvement –  e ve mixed media paintings by e ectively making Rai’s project a success. Prabal Bikram Shah critique the media’s  e fusing of contemporary junk with role and responsibility. Shah has created the mythic will no doubt initiate new newspaper pages lled only with news ways of seeing. Niroj Maharjan sought to reportage and his own graphics – bringing overcome his own fears and unravel life’s us a glimpse of what an ad-free newspaper mysteries through his encounter with would look like and subtly questioning the bhairava image. His Wishes series the ethical standpoint of having ads encompasses acrylics on canvas as well as a instead. His overlaying of documentational wall installation bearing 43 kalbhairava and reportage texts with images and graphics agnibhairava heads cra ed in the traditional push the pieces into the exciting realm 27

Mustang (sepia) add a local edge and the geo-topographical papier-mache model of a sneaker draws immediate attention. Bhawana Tulachan’s Koseli series of metal jewellery, catalog, stationery, packaging, and posters are grounded on local ethnic color palettes and tries to reinvigorate indigenous cra traditions by visually co-opting them into her contemporary design sensibilities. Shreejan Shrestha’s Illumine Lamps presents a conceptualized lamp manufacturing company based in and tailored for Nepal’s needs. Well-executed posters and packaging compliment his product design skills that are showcased through sleek LED lamps with battery back-up. However, it was Ubahang Limbu’s exquisite illustrations, book design, and merchandising for his own storyline A Place Called Home that supersedes the rest in terms of aesthetic appeal and executional nesse. Right next door blooms Matthias Plank’s universe of Alter that reveals itself through exquisitely detailed yet macabre illustrations and posters. A pen-and-paper role-playing game, Alter springs from a 20th century earth gone awry and currently blossoms as an alternative probability where humanoid creatures like meta-humans and hybrids roam the earth, engage in battles, and form alliances in e orts to better their lot. Strikingly fecund as a game and remarkably detailed in character mapping etc, Alter blows your mind with its intense graphical exuberance and narrative richness. I come now to my favourite piece in the show, Kshitiz Gyawali’s Navarasa. Taking o from the ancient Sanskrit text’s delineation of the eight bhava-s or performance moods whose enactment induces the nine corresponding rasa-s or emotions in the audience, the artwork enters the domain of the cutting edge contemporary through an act of inventiveness. Deceptively simple, Navarasa reveals itself through nine foot- long steel cylinders placed on nine di erently colored table-tops arranged in a circle. Closer inspection and some shi ing around reveals shaded, semi-circular splashes and strokes of the multilayered and metaphorical. The fusing of contemporary junk with the mythic on the table-top that upon re ection on the  e accompanying LED projection bears cylinder’s gleaming surface, miraculously headlines from the daily news and is will no doubt initiate new ways of seeing. melt into a woman’s face.  e face’s an interesting addition but somewhat expression changes from one cylinder to the overstretched the project’s structural piano like kalimba or mbira, or an imposing next, as does its color. It does not take long integrity. Pramod  apa’s Majheripatan-14 marble track sculpture that lets the to decipher that each color corresponds to sound installation meanwhile aurally marble twist, turn, drop, and run with an each of the rasa-s, as does the bhava emoted documents the adverse impact of waste enchanting tinkle – the rusty bicycle rules on the face. Gyawali has taken the age-old pollution of an irrigation canal in Pokhara supreme as the de ning formal element. classical Sanskrit theory of performance and -- through the voices of the oldest to the  e series is remarkably refreshing, not only presented it through the lens of “catoptric current generation of inhabitants of that because of its focus on visually sub-surfacial anamorphosis” that developed during ward.  e reportage acquires an urgent and therefore more enduring beauty, the European Renaissance but has been edge when heard against the lilting but also for its insistence on the aural by put to good use by contemporary artists narration of a tale wrought with happy wringing mesmerizing musical notes out of worldwide. Having distorted the original remembrances of the same canal from the unlikely materials. As visual compositions, photographs of bhava enactments on a artist’s childhood. each of the artworks score high in an o - so ware grid upon taking into account the  e aural irrevocably entwines with beat and asymmetric scale. radius of the re ective cylinders and the the visual in Prajjwol Bhattarai’s Beauty  e design contingent was represented intended angle of anamorphosis, the artist series. His ve installations are made out by Anish Bajracharya, Bhawana Tulachan, must have painstakingly replicated them of bicycle-scrap and junk. Going beyond Shreejan Shrestha, and Ubahang Limbu. on tabletops.  e surreal ease with which surface prettiness, he tries to create beauty Bajracharya’s statement says his “role is to the images magically melt into being as you out of discarded material with the bicycle as nd di erent ways to make ideas accessible move around the cylinders is a breathtaking his recurrent motif and material. Be it with to people,” and he does so with panache for experience.  e witty con ation of the the wheel-rim transformed into an elegant Kurchi Dasgupta is an a shoe brand through posters, packaging, traditional with the popular, theory with 10-reeded circular harp, or the spokes Indian artist and writer stationery, and product design. Color execution, and philosophy with fun made based in Kathmandu. Photos Courtesy: Shreezan Shrestha, Kurchi Dasgupta structured into the sub-Saharan thumb- shades named a er Gokyo (blue) and Navarasa an exciting artwork for me. Think//Canvas Conversation 28

For this particular exhibition, I diverged from the color spectrum to render the same colors as prayer flags. It seemed appropriate given the work was created in a county where the prayer flags have had a profound effect on me. I wanted to honor that inspiration - the way the fabric ribbons fray to release the Healing Medicine Buddha “us shall ye think of this eeting world: A star at dawn, a bubble in a stream; A ash of lightning Mantra echoes the sentiment of the prayer flags in a summer cloud; A ickering lamp, a phantom, and a dream,” concludes the Buddha, explaining and their impermanence. the illusory world that separates his followers from enlightenment. For the next week, Kathmandu You have used the medicine mantra in this Contemporary Art Centre’s artist-in-residence Tiany Singh showcases her works under the heading particular work, and have referred to healing of this poetic conclusion to the famous Diamond Sutra. e central work from the exhibition, titled through practice of prayer, meditation, and Sayapatri – 100 Layers, a site-speci c installation, is inspired by Indic spirituality and rituals. e colorful mantra in other works as well. Do you practice meditation? work infuses Buddhist mantras with seasonal and sacred artifacts. But it is the process that de nes the art. Yes, I do. Just before I got to Nepal I was Fr!day talks to the artist about creating her new work, her philosophies, and the transient nature of being. fortunate to receive the Medicine Buddha teaching and transmission from His Eminence TEXT AND PHOTO BY NISCHAL OLI Choden Rinpoche. Given this work is about the sacred nature of monsoon and the relationship to The title of your exhibition is borrowed from the milk, flowers etc. - have a sacred association to the earth, it felt right to dedicate all the Healing Diamond Sutra. How does it encapsulate your them. It permeates the space when presented Medicine Buddha Mantra writing to Mother Earth work? ritualistically. or Papatuanuku, in the Maori language. The For me, the Sutra is a glimpse into a fleeting mantra also invokes purification and is relevant moment, of the beauty of impermanence. I have I use the device of creating space to manipulate for all sentient beings, and seemed appropriate tried to capture these elements in the body of the atmosphere and energy of a site, by working to start the social practice aspect of the artwork work that makes up the exhibition, whether it is with materials that have a particular resonance or with. collected monsoon water or delicate dustings of traditional role like bells or wind chimes. Creating color. a space is an attempt to allow entry into the work The act of producing this sort of work becomes through feeling and intuition before an academic a meditation unto itself - cutting 450 ribbons or Nepal is not familiar with Ephemeral art. How reading occurs from the audience. writing out the mantra 2000 odd times. There is would you explain the form to someone who is not something about mindful repetition. It teaches familiar with the concept? Bells are a recurring item in your installations and me a lot. I come to understand things through Ephemeral art is usually understood as reflecting artworks. How do you relate to them? the process of them rather than having a defined a desire to dematerialize the art object to evade Bells have a relationship to the sacred in almost outcome in sight; it allows space for evolution in the demands of the market, or to democratize all belief systems. In Shinto and Wisdom the practice of the artwork and for myself too. the elitism of the art world. In my practice, there Traditions, they are used to summon nature Nischal Oli has been is an opportunity to be a part of the process spirits as well as disperse negative energy from working for various Has working in Patan, which was once a through contemporary social art practice, which, a premise. So again it is the history and the art and media-based great Buddhist city dedicated to the fine arts, by nature, supports both these concepts. When association to the sacred that the bells bring projects for the influenced your work? process is prioritized over outcomes, nothing with them that I respond to. It is also a very past three years. Hugely. I think the beauty of arts residencies is tangible remains to be purchased. My personal inclusive object that allows many different beliefs, He is currently with that you soak up the environments and distill visual narrative focuses on reminding ourselves religions, and philosophies to have a relationship the Siddhartha Art inspirations. I love the East, Nepal and India in of the ephemeral and transient nature of life and with it. Foundation, working particular. Since my research for the past two all that surrounds us. Thus, working with locally to create a curriculum years has been focused on exploring the role of sourced materials and creating site-specific work What can you say about the use of colors? based education for a the sacred in contemporary society, I’m deeply preserves that essence, which is transitory. Color or a particular sequence of colors has new generation of art interested in places were offering, ritual, and become a signature motif in my work. It differs manager, writers, and ceremony are a part of everyday life. Patan has Your works deal with the idea of creating from the academic way of viewing colors. Sir curators. been the perfect place to absorb the energy and a spiritual recluse. Is there any special Isaac Newton’s scientific documentation of the vibrancy of many such practices. consideration that goes into producing works that color spectrum revealed six colors: red, orange, strive to create this space? yellow, green, blue, and violet. However, because You have a series of paintings in the exhibitions I mostly work with natural materials and support of his belief systems, he considered six a negative created with real flowers. Could you explain the local artisans so that the components of my number, thus introducing indigo as his seventh process behind it? artwork have a history, an energy associated color. I believe this perspective is negotiable. I For me, these works are very much seasonal; to them. I think the “spiritual recluse” is due have removed indigo and introduced magenta they reflect a place and what the land was to the concepts I explore and its realization in in-between red and orange. When I render this giving at that moment. The Japanese technique, visual form. With Sayapatri -100 layers I am sequence in a large site-specific installation, the the hapazome method that I employed for the honoring the monsoon season and the life it eye flows more fluidly. It is so successful in its paintings was taught to me by natural dye sensei brings forth, by drawing on Indic ceremonies and fluidity that few people realize it is not the color Deb Donnelly in New Zealand last summer. rituals. The materials I have used - rice, water, spectrum we are taught scientifically. It is traditionally used on fabric, and involves extracting the form and pigment directly out of the flower. The Monsoon Paintings use flowers picked from Kirtipur, given to me by my friends. These flowers were in bloom at that time and their color and form has been immortalized on paper, with water from the monsoon rains. I, then, refined the details with a pen and gold ink.

You are a social practice artist, which means your audience is involved in your works. How can visitors be involved in this particular exhibition? The audience is asked to write their own prayers or mantras on ribbons provided at the gallery. These will become a part of the work in its future iterations. Sayapatri - 100 Layers was commissioned by the Asia New Zealand Arts Foundation for their Art In The Asian Century exhibition that is touring museums and galleries in New Zealand. The work will be shown in fives different cities and in each place the audience will be asked to contribute their prayers and messages. Hopefully the work will continue to grow both in scale and spirit.

MOVIE Think//Fr!day Films REVIEW 30

The Show Must Go On! “Insaaniyat kya hoti hai aaj ek jaanvar mujhe sikhaakar chalaa gaya!”

PRAWIN ADHIKARI

riter-Director duo Farhad-Sajid’s doing so, has created a moment in a story in doesn’t pretend otherwise: it a world that never existed before. To witness Wentertains, full-to. It is shockingly and embody a partial comprehension of repetitive. But, because it is repetitive about answer to a question you didn’t even know making the audience laugh, its repetitiveness existed until a moment ago.  ere are the only adds to the fun. It has a dog as the mysteries of the physical world, and there are lead, its humor is both of the slapstick and the mysteries made possible only through screwball variety, it is full of references to the collective experiences of all of Humanity Bollywood – paying homage and taking a – the entire past, the instantaneous present, The music isn’t memorable, the plotline isn’t dig at – and it races ahead with nary a pause. the unarrestable furling of the future – that  is week witnessed the passing away of only humans are privileged enough to original or particularly memorable, most of the set two entertainers – of Shri Krishna Shrestha witness or comprehend. An alien civilization pieces are derivative. All of this actually works in and Robin Williams. One was once known may unravel the mysteries of the universe if as the ‘dancing hero’ while the other was we are gone. But humans are required to ask favor of Entertainment - because, what is left is all known for his comic genius. (In Williams’ the questions that arise only from the human gags, verbal, visual, and self-referential. case, the word ‘genius’ has a wide range of experience. Actors do this for a living – some meanings.)  ey were both consummate better than others, but all pursuing the same essential ingredient of comedy, especially entertainers, men so married to their art and goal of inching closer to the Big Answer by for the slapstick variety.  at must be cra that life was merely the background: asking a whole lot of little questions, with why Akshay Kumar has teamed up with everything of signi cance happened in arched eyebrows or by slipping on banana a big, shaggy dog named Entertainment, performance. Despite the di culties in their peels or running around like a possessed played by ‘Junior –  e Wonder Dog’, and lives, they entertained to the end of their ape.  ose in the inside understand this treated the canine actor as his equal, being days. For that, respect. much better than those on the outside, those humiliated by his co-star at rst, then To slip into a di erent character, to pull who’ve never practiced the cra . Directed by crying with genuine emotion when his on the gossamer of imagination and conjure It seems tting then, a er these tragedies, Sajid-Farhad ‘brother’ threatens to leave him. Johnny entire worlds of experiences alien to the to recommend a hearty laugh, to be so Produced by Lever is just himself – his brand of comedy audience, to put on voices and call attention serious minded that even while you laugh Ramesh S. Taurani is not abrasive to people who have never Jayantilal Gada to the joys and sorrows common to all of us with the rest of the theater you can feel the seen him do anything else. Dileep Tahil and yet unique to each of us – that is the task pull of misery that lurks behind the bright Starring appears very brie y, but otherwise is present Akshay Kumar a performer takes on and thrives on.  e lights. Even if the show must go on, the eyes Tamannaah Bhatia in allusions throughout. Tamannah, as a performer requires sustenance very di erent of those in the brightest limelight are also the Johnny Lever chirpy Sakshi who loves to speak like a from that on which the ordinary and mortal blindest, most in pain. Entertainment starts Sonu Sood soap-opera actor when the occasion calls mind survives: kudos and praise and awe o traditionally enough if it is the plotline Prakash Raj for it, supports Akshay Kumar’s mission to and adoration and devotion which everyday you pay attention to: Akshay Kumar’s Akhil Music by wrest away a massive inheritance from the push the body and the mind further over the Lokhandwala is a young man who works Sachin - Jigar jaws of the dog.  ere are two villains, and a brink of what is possible to sustain. Bodies multiple entertainment-industry jobs sidekick who utilizes the names of the entire and egos take regular battering. Someday, through the day to provide for his father, Bollywood fraternity in saying his lines, and either the body gives in, or does the mind. who is languishing in the hospital. He by being less funny than Akshay Kumar, But, until then, the show must go on!  e has a way of unpacking traditional jokes. serves his purpose of being the moon that show is always bigger than any of us.  e Any joke taken literally can either fall  at, re ects its light back to the sun in the center idea of performance is always larger than the or become much funnier than expected. of the game. act of performance itself.  e second variety is really challenging to  e music isn’t memorable, the plotline  at is perhaps why the clichés in create, and since there is an abundance of isn’t original or particularly memorable, most performance arts are more original and it in Entertainment, there are many, many Prawin Adhikari writes of the set pieces are derivative. All of this accompanied by a deeper ethos than clichés laughs to be had. Because of the repetition, fi ction and screenplays, actually works in favor of Entertainment – in other elds. Here, the superstitions the ante is upped with each new triptych and teaches. He is an because, what is le is all gags, verbal, visual, are stronger because encounters with the of the threats-answered-with-questions assistant editor with and self-referential. Entertainment succeeds La.Lit, the literary supernatural are more profound: to stand jokes escalates the Laughter Quotient magazine, accessible by not leaving any particular impression on at the lip of the stage, blinded by footlights, (LQ).  e palpable and apparent delight online at www.lalitmag. the mind, apart from the general and e usive yet seeing the audience breathe collectively the writer duo has taken in constructing com His collection memory of having laughed, not quite sure and with their faces and bodies react to each the jokes soon infects the viewer. It is all of short stories The at what, but having laughed silly and hard Vanishing Act was word uttered by you; or to stand behind a mindless entertainment, but one cra ed very published in March, through two hours of a movie that never, camera and realize that one of the actors has mindfully, with patience and calculation. 2014, by Rupa ever threatened to take itself seriously.  at, strayed from the rehearsed routine and, in A farce laughs at itself. Abjection is an Publications. occasionally, is refreshing.