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​Milan Bhattarai, the winner of Mister Tourism Nepal 2024, has traveled to Vietnam to represent Nepal at the Mister Tourism World 2025 competition. He will compete in the event for 10 days, culminating in the grand finale on Feb 18 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Mister Tourism Nepal is a category under the Mister and Miss National competition, in which Bhattarai secured victory earlier this year. According to Dr Santosh Upadhyaya, director of Sunurbi International and the national organizer of Mister and Miss National, Bhattarai will be the first Nepali contestant to participate in Mister Tourism World.

During his time in Vietnam, Bhattarai will visit various locations while showcasing Nepal’s language, culture, and traditional attire. In the National Costume Round, he will wear an outfit representing Nepal’s unification leader, Prithvi Narayan Shah, and the historical attire of that era.

Dr Upadhyaya expressed confidence that Nepal could secure an international title in its debut participation.

Sushila Baral, known for her melodious and soulful voice, has established herself as a prominent singer in the Nepali music industry. She has made a mark in both modern and folk music, continuously pursuing her passion for singing and songwriting.

Her debut song, ‘Juni Juni Timrai Hune Man Cha Hai Maya’, became an instant hit, capturing the emotions of romantic couples and gaining massive popularity on platforms like TikTok and Facebook Reels. Encouraged by its success, Baral released another song, ‘Timile Herera Malai Pugne Bhaye’, where she contributed as a singer, lyricist, and composer.

“With determination and passion, anything is possible. I feel delighted to set an example through my work,” she shared.

From an early age, Baral aspired to become a singer. She would often sing while walking or participate in school cultural programs, performing songs by legendary artists like Narayan Gopal and Bhakta Raj Acharya. Her father, Tikaram Baral, who was a teacher and a music enthusiast, always encouraged her musical journey. “Though my father is no longer with us, I wish he could have heard my songs. That would have meant the world to me,” she expressed.

Baral honed her skills by taking formal music training in Kathmandu. She credits composer Basanta Sapkota for playing a significant role in shaping her career. With millions of views on social media, her songs such as ‘Rato Rato Sarima’, ‘Yo Saas Aljhiyo’, ‘Mayale Herna Kancha’, and ‘Ram Ram Japche’ have received widespread acclaim. Some of her tracks have also been nominated for music awards.

“Initially, it was challenging, but now, with dedication and talent, things have become easier. I will continue to invest my art and voice in Nepali music,” said Baral.

Apart from singing, she is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in music at Padma Kanya Campus. She has won two awards by securing first place in college-level music competitions. Recently, she also composed a song titled ‘Desh Nepal’, which was well-received in a modern song competition. Beyond music, Baral is also engaged in social work, balancing her passion for singing with a commitment to giving back to the community.

Nepali band Kandara is set to embark on an exciting global musical tour in 2025, beginning with a grand performance at the prestigious O2 Arena in London on Jan 4. This milestone marks the first time a Nepali band will perform at the iconic venue, following in the footsteps of Nepali artist Sajjan Raj Vaidya. Lead vocalist Bibek Shrestha expressed the band’s excitement, calling the O2 a dream venue for any artist and describing this opportunity as a proud moment. After their London debut, the band will continue their tour with performances in Dubai, Qatar, and Hong Kong later in January.

Adding to the excitement, Kandara is releasing a new song titled “Hunecha (The Song of Hope)” on 1 Jan 2025, as a New Year’s offering. Known for themes of love, nature, and cultural stories, this track carries a unique message of hope and positivity, aiming to inspire listeners to embrace optimism in the coming year. Drummer Sunil Thapa, a founding member of the band, has penned and composed the song, which encourages individuals to foster positive change through their actions and behaviors. Notably, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has extended his best wishes for the song’s success.

Kandara has been actively engaging with fans through performances, including a recent themed concert, “Home Country, Then Abroad,” held at the LOD Club in Thamel, Kathmandu. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the band has also delivered successful concerts across Gandaki, Koshi, and Bagmati provinces.

The current lineup features Bibek Shrestha on vocals, Sunil Thapa on drums, Dev Lama on lead guitar, Pankaj Jha on bass guitar, Avinash Gayak on madal, and Umesh Thapa on keyboard. Sunil Thapa, a founding member, continues to play a pivotal role in the band’s journey. With a legacy spanning three decades, Kandara remains a beloved name in Nepali music, blending meaningful lyrics, rich melodies, and a deep connection to its roots while expanding its presence on the global stage.

Celebrating 32 years of musical legacy, iconic Nepali band Kandara delivered a historic performance at Club LOD in Kathmandu on Nov 9. Part of their “Kathmandu Calling Kandara” tour, the concert drew fans from across the city and beyond for the band’s first-ever live show in the capital—a night filled with energy, nostalgia, and cultural pride.

The evening kicked off with a dynamic opening act by Devendra Bablu and the Firantee, whose fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds set the stage for Kandara’s much-anticipated performance. The opening act’s energy was the perfect prelude to Kandara's celebrated mix of folk, rock, and pop.

Kandara’s powerful lineup—featuring vocalist Bivek Shrestha, guitarist Dev Lama, bassist Pankaj Jha, madalist Avinash Gayak, keyboardist Neil Ghatani, and drummer Sunil Thapa—delivered a set of their greatest hits, including fan favorites like “Timi Pari,” “Lekaki Hey Maya,” and “Hongkong Pokhara.” Their performance showcased the enduring appeal of their unique sound, blending traditional Nepali folk with modern influences that have captivated audiences for over three decades.

The packed venue pulsed with excitement as Kandara’s electrifying performance celebrated three decades of music that has defined a generation. Lead vocalist Bivek Shrestha addressed the crowd, saying, “Performing in Kathmandu for the first time, surrounded by the energy of our incredible fans, is a dream come true. This night is dedicated to each and every one of you who has supported us through the years.”

Kandara expressed heartfelt gratitude to Club LOD for hosting, Arbitrary Events and TRN Events for organizing, and Khalti for handling ticketing. Special thanks were given to Sushil Nepal for his charismatic hosting and to Devendra Bablu and the Firantee for their memorable opening act, setting a tone of celebration and unity.