Pragya Shantiram Rai’s Solo Musical Evening to Honor Khotang Artists in Kathmandu

Kathmandu — Renowned musician, singer, and writer Pragya Shantiram Rai’s solo musical evening is set to be held in Kathmandu on Mangsir 13 under the organization of the Khotang Artist Society. The society is organizing this special evening for the first time under its “Shrota Samman” (Creator’s Honor) program. According to Society Chairman Rupkumar Rai, this marks the first series of an annual program initiated to honor senior artists from Khotang.

Speaking at a press conference, Pragya Shantiram Rai expressed that his life has been fully dedicated to music and extended gratitude to the organizing body and all supporters. He remarked, “This is not just my show, it is a show for all of Khotang. If it fails, it will be a loss of pride for the entire Khotang.” The event was also addressed with congratulatory messages by Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality Mayor Tirtharaj Bhattarai, Member of Parliament Bishal Bhattarai, leader Bishnu Rai, businessman Tank Shrestha, among others.

Pragya Shantiram Rai formally entered the music field in 1990 (BS 2046) after passing the vocal test at Radio Nepal. Actively contributing to Nepali music creation for the past 36 years, he has composed more than 1,500 songs to date. The solo evening will feature his timeless creations such as “Timi Tare Bhīr Ma Ta Lahara,” “Dhoka Diyau Timile,” “Chhalharu O Chhalharu,” “ID Cardle,” “Ae Paharaki Phool” and many others. His songs will be performed by both veteran and new-generation singers including Deep Shrestha, Sukmit Gurung, Pavitra Subba, Rajesh Payal Rai, and Melina Rai.

Established in 2020 (BS 2077), the Khotang Artist Society had earlier organized the “Khotang Musical Evening” in 2022 at Pragya Bhawan, Kamaladi, showcasing 100 singers and 100 dancers. Likewise, in 2023, it held singing and dance competitions across all 10 municipalities of the district under the “Palika Pratibha” (Municipality Talent) program.

On the occasion of this upcoming event, the Khotang Artist Society has also released a new song titled “Muskuraunchha Sadhai Bhari Mero Khotang” (“My Khotang Always Smiles”). The song features the voices of 111 artists, with lyrics by Tank Bhattarai, music by senior composer Mahesh Khadka, arrangement by Debesh Rai, and recording at Limdumi Creation Studio. The music video is directed by Rajesh Puma Rai. Financial support for the song was provided by Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality, Khotehang Rural Municipality, and Aiselukhark Rural Municipality.