Kathmandu: The Durbar Rodhi Club is set to celebrate its 16th anniversary in grand style, with a three-day extravaganza planned from June 14th to 16th. The festivities will culminate in a special ceremony honoring veteran folk singer Kumar Basnet with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The 81-year-old Basnet, a legend in Nepali folk music, is renowned for his powerful vocals and socially conscious lyrics. Songs like “Chhori Bhanda Aama Taruni,” “Laibari Lai,” and “Dalli Magarni Ho” have cemented his place in the hearts of Nepalis for generations.
Basnet’s dedication to using folk music to expose social injustices and advocate for positive change is what truly merits this prestigious award, according to Club President Ashok Giri.
Basnet will be joined by fellow folk singers Badri Pangeni, Sunita Dulal, and Krishna Anshu at the ceremony, who will all receive special honors for their contributions to the folk music genre. Additionally, journalist Rishi Dhamala will be honored for his dedication to covering the arts.
In a noteworthy move, the Durbar Rodhi Club has decided to expand its recognition program to include journalists who cover the arts and culture beat. Five journalists—Bishnu Sharma (OnlineKhabar), Anabeshan Adhikari (Naya Patrika Dainik), Sushil Nepal (Setopati), Narendra Raule (Ratopati), and Ayesha Dahal (Mazzako TV)—will be awarded Rs. 5,000 each in recognition of their contributions.
The opening ceremony boasts Minister for Culture Hit Bahadur Tamang and Film Development Board Chairman Bhuwan KC gracing the event as chief guests. The event promises a vibrant showcase of Nepali art and culture, featuring renowned artists like Pashupati Sharma, Durgesh Thapa, Tika Pun, Purnakala BC, and Karishma Dhakal, alongside a host of models and artists.
“The Durbar Rodhi has always served as a platform for aspiring folk singers, a place for them to hone their craft and take their first steps towards successful careers,” said Club President Ashok Giri. “We are thrilled to celebrate our anniversary as a festival of folk music, while also recognizing those who immensely contribute to its preservation and appreciation through journalism.”
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