Nepali classical music: Challenges and opportunities

Nepal lacks the strict tradition of student-mentor relationships in classical music, which demand time, patience and devotion.

An invitation to attend Antarrashtriya Sangeet Mahotsav or International Music Festival 2026, and to present what was called a pragyik mantavya or academic opinion, brought me both happiness and a challenge. It was a major music festival organised by stakeholders such as the Lalitkala Campus of Tribhuvan University and Ramchandra Mandir of Battisputali, with the performance venue held in Kathmandu from June 13-17, 2026.