Submit your Article

In the realm of Nepali music, one name stands out as a beacon of talent, dedication, and artistic excellence—Prajwal Lama, an extraordinary pianist and keyboardist. With over 13 years of experience and an impressive presence from Nepal to the global stage, Prajwal’s mastery of the keyboard transforms any melody into an extraordinary masterpiece.

I first encountered his prodigious talent during the inaugural season of Nepal Idol, where I was involved as a director and project head. His presence in the backup band not only reassured the contestants but also the judges. This is why he has remained a top choice for renowned Nepali musician and Nepal Idol judge Nhyoo Bajracharya.

Beyond Nepal Idol, Prajwal has collaborated with celebrated artists such as Sajjan Raj Vaidya and performed in the Ghum Phiri Tour across the United States and Canada. His music has graced some of the world’s most iconic stages, including the Eventim Apollo in London, the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney, and the Festival Hall in Melbourne.

A true bridge between traditional and contemporary music, Prajwal has worked with international artists like Ani Choying Drolma, infusing modern world music with Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. However, his expertise extends far beyond the piano and keyboard—he is a multi-instrumentalist, proficient in guitar, bass guitar, tabla, recorder, madal, damphu, nagara, and vocals. His ability to seamlessly adapt to various musical genres makes him an ideal collaborator for artists across different styles.

Prajwal’s contributions to Nepali music have been recognized on numerous occasions. In 2022, he won the ASP Muzic Community Piano Challenge, showcasing his technical brilliance. In 2019, he was featured on Aimee Nolte Music’s YouTube channel, marking his recognition on an international platform. His performances have also been integral to the Hits FM Music Awards, Tuborg Open Sessions, and The Voice of Nepal.

In addition to his live performances, Prajwal has paid tribute to legendary artists such as Michael Jackson, Queen, Rajesh Hamal, Bon Jovi, Narayan Gopal, and Tara Devi, reinterpreting their music through his unique artistic lens.

Committed to taking Nepali music to the global stage, Prajwal has performed in the UK, Australia, Malaysia, India, and beyond, earning widespread acclaim. Notably, his performance alongside Ani Choying Drolma at the Feel the Heal concert in Malaysia and collaborations with Indian music legends like Asha Bhosale, Anuradha Paudwal, Sanjeevani Bhelande, and Deepa Jha have further cemented his reputation as a versatile and accomplished musician.

Having begun his professional journey as a teenager, Prajwal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Ethnomusicology from Kathmandu University and has earned special qualifications from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), UK, as well as Nepal Sangeet Level 5. Following Nepal Idol Season 5, he has continued his musical education in the United States, further refining his craft.

With relentless dedication and passion for music, Prajwal Lama is poised to reach even greater heights in the international music industry. His melodies will continue to resonate across Nepal and beyond, leaving a lasting imprint on the world of music.

President Ram Chandra Paudel attended the Basanta Shrawan ritual at Hanumandhoka Durbar Square premises this morning on the occasion of Basanta Panchami.

On the occasion, President Paudel listened to a special melody at the auspicious hour of 7:55 am and received tika and Prasad offered by the priest.

There is a tradition of listening to a special melody by the President from the position of the Head of the State on Basanta Panchami every year.

A contingent of the Nepal Army presented a guard of honor to President Paudel.

Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, high-ranking officials of the government and chiefs of security bodies were present on the occasion.

The festival is celebrated as Shree Panchami and Saraswati Puja offering prayers to Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge.

Basanta Panchami is being celebrated all over the country by paying homage to Goddess Saraswati, known as the goddess of knowledge, on Monday. 

Also known as Saraswati Puja, writers, artists, journalists, teachers and students worship their tools, pen, paper, pencil and musical instruments as goddess Saraswati.

There is also a belief that you will be blessed if you begin your learning after worshiping Saraswati. The day is also regarded as auspicious for social and religious functions like marriage, bratabanda, gufa and belbibaha.

It is considered auspicious to start education for children and to pierce their nose and ears. Devotees, especially students, throng the temples of Goddess Saraswati since early morning today.

Meanwhile, President Ram Chandra Paudel and Vice-President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav have extended their best wishes to all Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion of Basanta Panchami and Saraswati Puja.

President Paudel said Saraswati Puja is a festival that always energizes and inspires us for innovations.

In the message, he underscored the importance of worshipping Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom, knowledge and music. Today is also the day of enrolling children in school and initiating their formal education as it is believed to bring the divine blessings of Goddess Saraswati, it is said.

President Paudel wished that the Saraswati Puja would help preserve and promote original rich cultures by maintaining unity in the country's social and cultural diversity.

Similarly, Vice President Yadav expressed the belief that strong unity in social diversity has helped further strengthen national unity of the country.

In the message, he mentioned that this festival has connected all areas, territories, religions, communities and cultures by protecting multi-castes, multi-languages and multi-cultures.

It can’t be denied that we rely all too much on imported goods, whether it be for clothes, perfumes, makeup items, bags, shoes, or toys. Many people ApEx spoke to confessed that they shopped when they traveled and that they don’t find what they need in the local markets in Nepal. They say the choice is between cheap Chinese products that don’t last more than a month and exorbitantly priced branded items that actually cost a fraction of the retail price on the brand’s website or at outlets in India and abroad.

But there are local businesses that actually sell good stuff. And their number is increasing by the day. We have rounded up some local brands and businesses that you can check out the next time you are shopping. We, at ApEx, believe this can help boost the local economy as well as entice entrepreneurs to come up with innovative ideas and products in the long run. But that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the quality as these made in Nepal products have been made with care and caution and are some of the best you will ever come across.

Abir

Next time you want to shop for clothes, check out Abir near Pimbahal, Lalitpur. It’s a sustainable clothing brand. All the fabrics—bamboo, cotton, linen, hemp, and their blends—are made in Nepal. In winter, they used wool that was sourced from Nepal. Bini Bajracharya, co-owner of Abir, says they take pride in the fact that their clothes have minimal impact on the planet. The business is run by a small team of 10 to 12 people and they design clothes for both men and women. Recently, they have also started incorporating crochet in their designs, making their pieces unique and interesting. We spoke to some of their customers and they all agreed that Abir’s clothes are comfortable, don’t fade or shrink, and are designed to look great on all body types.

Maya Handicrafts Jewelry

This could be your go-to stop for dainty and stunning pieces of jewelry that you can wear every day. Maya Handicrafts has two physical outlets—one in Sanepa, Lalitpur and the other in Lazimpat, Kathmandu. But you can also browse through their collection on Instagram and order from there as well. However, we recommend visiting the stores to see their pieces up close. You will notice that they are simple and stylish and have been made really well. They have silver jewelry, gold-plated ones, and even some gold and diamond pieces. The prices are reasonable and they have quite a good collection. Their bangles and bracelets are especially made for daily wear. Maya Handicrafts is also a business with a conscience. They help charities and causes whenever they can. In the past, they donated two percent of their sales to Astitwa Nepal to help victims of acid and burn violence.

Nepal Knotcraft Center

If you want to buy home decor items and other little accessories like purses, pouches, and bags, look no further than Nepal Knotcraft Center. They have an outlet in Kupondole and their products are also available in Thames at Ekadeshma Collective. The company was founded in 1984 to create jobs for women and empower them. When it started out, it had three employees. Now, there are hundreds of women from all over Nepal working for the company. Most of the products are made from natural fibers and recycled wood. If you want placemats, rugs, and other home decor pieces like baskets, bowls, wall hanging etc, Nepal Knotcraft Center has a lovely selection of them all.

Jamarko

Founded by a sister duo and now run by their daughters, Jamarko is a paper recycling company that was started in 2001. They make various recycled paper and lotta paper products. They have notebooks, boxes, pencils, wrapping paper, frames, gift bags, and many other items. The designs are appealing and the products, despite being handmade, have a factory-finish to them. The company collects paper waste from various sources and recycles them to make beautiful products that can be used at home. Kritica Lacoul, executive director at Jamarko, says their short term goal is to minimize paper waste whereas their long term goal is to conserve our natural resources and reduce consumption. Buy from Jamarko for a guilt-free shopping indulgence. Another good thing is that their products aren’t pricey at all.

Gallery VS

You don’t have to buy expensive perfumes anymore. These handcrafted blends of essential oils smell great and are really long lasting. There are many variations available for both men and women and the fragrances range from mild to strong. The base of these roll-on perfumes are solvents and not alcohol and that ensures the smells stay for long. The proprietor says he wants to make good quality perfumes that are inexpensive but of good quality. The company also sells essential oils and diffusers as well as hand creams that aren’t greasy and are, again, long lasting. The company has a kiosk in Chhaya Center, Thamel as well as puts up stalls at the Saturday market at Labim Mall, Pulchowk, and the Le Sherpa Farmer’s Market on Saturday.