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Jazz as healing music

Heads swinging in the air. Shoulders jiggling. Hands and feet taping in time with the rhythm. People humming along. This was a common sight throughout this week’s Surya Nepal Jazzmandu. The guitar, drums, piano, flute, sarangi (even tapping feet) and other musical instruments fused on stage every evening, producing soulful melodies to keep the audience warm through Kathmandu’s autumn chill. This was the 20th edition of the jazz festival which started on 24 October featuring international and national artists including the likes of Swiss-French trumpeter Erik Trufazz, Aussie Owen James Newcomb, jazz saxophonist, flamenco singer and composer Antonio Lizana, our very own Cadenza Collective and artists from the Dhrupad Gurukul in Kathmandu.&nbsp;  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/2024110104114_e35518cd86adafbd72e0bec4936baad9e81b14ebc911f71aff1d13fe2a2d5b7b.jpg" data-media-id="editor_0" data-image-id="2024110104114_e35518cd86adafbd72e0bec4936baad9e81b14ebc911f71aff1d13fe2a2d5b7b" data-rendition-name="original" width="1656" height="1370" loading="lazy" alt="Jazzmandu 2024 NT"> </figure>  “I really like it here in Nepal, people are friendly, there is virtually no road rage,” Erik Trufazz told nepali Times during one of the parties ahead of their performances. “I have known about Jazzmandu for a while, my sound technician has been with the festival for a quite some time but only this year did everything align for me to be here too. The audience has been warm and receptive.” The annual event (except for the Covid years) first started in 2002 at the height of the Maoist insurgency with the intention of uniting people through music and simultaneously prioritising cultural interaction, music education and promoting tourism in Nepal. “The first edition was rather easy. Everything fell into place. It was as if destiny was leading the way,” says Navin Chettri, one of the founding members of Surya Nepal Jazzmandu who is also the vocalist and drummer of Nepali folk Jazz band Cadenza Collective. “What is harder is to maintain the legacy.”  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/2024110104114_79936cc630c834b1d4ff1dd16d23c748ea7e3e6f6bc4e69a567b0a7de9bfa391.jpg" data-media-id="editor_1" data-image-id="2024110104114_79936cc630c834b1d4ff1dd16d23c748ea7e3e6f6bc4e69a567b0a7de9bfa391" data-rendition-name="original" width="1261" height="1000" loading="lazy" alt="Jazzmandu 2024 NT"> </figure>  &nbsp;The jazz scene is ever-evolving and so is the festival but in the recent editions, it is clear that cultural interaction has been more prominent with the collaboration that have taken place between national and international artists. “Jazzmandu has stayed true to the essence of what it was,” says Owen James Newcomb of Australian Jazz band Afro Dizzi Act who was here for the first edition in 2002 and was back this year. Nick Aggs of the same band has been performing in Jazzmandu for the past six years, and agrees: “Kathmandu has become a fertile land for music to flourish. The cross-pollination of music that is happening here says it all.”  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20241101011124_58251b3af8fcca39887a1a772f9a59f12d9afd789bd0af8459089661dfafa6bf.jpg" data-media-id="editor_2" data-image-id="20241101011124_58251b3af8fcca39887a1a772f9a59f12d9afd789bd0af8459089661dfafa6bf" data-rendition-name="original" width="1333" height="1000" loading="lazy" alt="Jazzmandu 2024 NT"> <figcaption>Photo: PINKI RANA</figcaption> </figure>  Jazz has often been credited for embracing culture and diversity, and is known for collaborating with different genres of music. Here in Kathmandu, the festival has taken a step further to blend jazz with eastern music genres. For example this year a Spanish flamenco performer tap dances to the beat of classical Nepali tabla. “We’ve been performing jazz all over the world and the perception of jazz can be sectioned. The open mindedness people here in Kathmandu when it comes to jazz is the most exciting,” said Shannon Sol Carroll of Afro Dizzi Act speaking to Nepali Times before their &nbsp;finale at the Malla Hotel on Wednesday. The demographic of the audience is also changing. While expats and tourists still make up the majority of the audience, younger Nepalis are now a significant presence. There are others like Zoe Meister, 20, who is in Kathmandu as part of her exchange programme. The first experience has already left her wanting for more.  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/2024110104114_d052567ac67050ef3024b8e02e7171ba1ba480fe8df8a279ef358908d6b7dd17.jpg" data-media-id="editor_3" data-image-id="2024110104114_d052567ac67050ef3024b8e02e7171ba1ba480fe8df8a279ef358908d6b7dd17" data-rendition-name="original" width="1486" height="966" loading="lazy" alt="Jazzmandu 2024 NT"> </figure>  Women still remain a minority in the Jazz scene globally. But this edition of Jazz Festival featured an all female band Sheroes from the US and highlighted singer Alma Naidu and her quartet from Germany and classical singer Jonisha Paudel from Nepal.&nbsp; Paudel’s high notes (shall we call it ‘ragajazz’?) underlined the amalgamation of eastern and western music. On initial hearing, the music did come off as Hindustani Classical but as the gig progressed, the sound of tabla, sitar fused with trombone and bass guitar to enhance the symbiosis. Her performance at Yalamaya Kendra on 29 October brought the house down.&nbsp; On the same day, Sheroes sang its own version of My Favourite Things from the 1965 musical The Sound of Music. Seeing the majority of women perform on the same stage made the performance even more inspiring. As the 20th edition of the jazz feast comes to an end, Chettri says, “When the younger musicians come up to me and tell me they are inspired seeing artists in our festivals, I believe we have been successful in setting up jazz culture in Kathmandu and our legacy.”  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/2024110104114_4510825ab497a488fd46a9d0c0b76f76ed7e6d0772002d9d0e8f698ed988cb8f.jpg" data-media-id="editor_4" data-image-id="2024110104114_4510825ab497a488fd46a9d0c0b76f76ed7e6d0772002d9d0e8f698ed988cb8f" data-rendition-name="original" width="1194" height="832" loading="lazy" alt="Jazzmandu 2024 NT"> </figure>  <h2>Jazzing up Gokarna</h2> The third day of Jazzmandu, dubbed Jazz Bazaar, took place at Gokarna Forest Resort. This was the longest day, starting at 3PM and running until 10 at night unlike most days of the jazz festival that happened exclusively in the evenings. The stage and the stands for food and drinks were set up in an open meadow at the expansive Gokarna Forest Resort. The stage was the first thing on the left, and the bars were set up opposite that a bit further away. Further in the area there were food stalls presumably set up by the hotel selling food like chowmein, chicken wings, and paneer pakodas. There were bonfires set up which provided quick bursts of much needed warmth in the chilly October evening. Perhaps owing to the location, the crowd seemed much younger than at most of the other days of the festival. There were many children and young adults, both Nepali and foreign. Many seemed to be tourists from South Asia, Europe, the USA, or Australia. The audience either sat in chairs or benches set up opposite the stage, or on mats on the floor right in front of the musicians.&nbsp; One of the main acts of the night was Swiss-French trumpeter Erik Trufazz and his band, a quartet also including keyboard, bass and drums. Trufazz and the band were exceptional with a strong rock element to their act and soon the audience were bobbing their heads or tapping their feet to the music. They were followed by the Antonio Lizana Quintet, spearheaded by jazz saxophonist, flamenco singer and composer Antonio Lizana. The quintet was made up of Lizana on saxophone, a guitar, a bass, drums, and a flamenco dancer. The dancing, done by a member of the five called El Mawi, provided a strong performance aspect to their set and was visually drawing. The tapping nature of the dance also added a quick rhythm on top of the drums. There was also a performance by artists from the Dhrupad Gurukul in Kathmandu. Dhrupad is an ancient Hindustani classical musical tradition characterised by ragas and swaras. The group had sitar and flute players as well as percussion, on a big two-sided Indian drum called the pakhavaj. Their music was accompanied by trippy visuals. Vishad Raj Onta

Pinki Sris Rana

East meets West at Kathmandu jazz

Right after Dasain festivities, the Surya Nepal Jazzmandu is back in town and this time it is celebrating two decades of the jazz festival. Also known as Kathmandu Jazz Festival, the annual music fest which started in 2002 will run from 24-30 October this year. Over the years, it has established itself as a premier jazz event, pioneering and cultivating the taste of jazz in Nepal.&nbsp; Much like the previous editions, the organisers aim to bring together jazz musicians of different backgrounds and origins, substantiating a platform for cultural interaction simultaneously.&nbsp; “Jazzmandu is an act of love for our city, our audiences, and for the music – and we’ve still got lots more love to give,” says Samir Chettri of Kathmandu Jazz Festival.&nbsp; This year’s five-day musical symposium features a lineup of artists celebrated from across the globe. They specialise not just in jazz but infusing it with different types of music. Eastern Classical featuring Jonisha Paudel, Santosh Bhakta, Roshan Putwar, Nimesh Kapali as well as Gandharva music are something to look forward this edition. <h2>Erik Truffaz (Switzerland)</h2>  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20241023071012_ec1d5abbf4f3be74f7a3298985ff38022f3f4f54627fd8ac51294fa63f24bd0c.jpg" data-media-id="editor_0" data-image-id="20241023071012_ec1d5abbf4f3be74f7a3298985ff38022f3f4f54627fd8ac51294fa63f24bd0c" data-rendition-name="original" width="1200" height="800" loading="lazy" alt="Erik Truffaz"> </figure>  Jazz trumpeter Erik Truffaz’s music has pushed the boundaries of what trumpet-led jazz can be. In his decade-long career, Truffaz has seamlessly blended hip hop, rock and roll and dance music with jazz. Truffaz entered into the jazz scene in the early nineties but it was the 1998 album ‘The Dawn’ that gave him his breakthrough– establishing him as a pioneering force in contemporary jazz. From recording in India on the banks of the Ganga, to collaborations with indie rockers, Truffaz has showcased his ability as a peerless all-rounder and ceaseless innovator. He has given scores to symphony orchestras, and has also written and composed music extensively for cinema.Truffaz is in the ranks of European jazz royalty, continuing to inspire a new generation of musicians and music lovers. Erik Truffaz – Trumpet | Alexis Anérilles – Keyboard | &nbsp;Marcello Giuliani – Bass | Raphael Chassin – Drums <h2>Sheroes (USA)</h2>  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20241023071012_ce7ebb7d4bac391253c5cebfae761dbd2eb027df30b57579c156791d3248ca3f.jpg" data-media-id="editor_1" data-image-id="20241023071012_ce7ebb7d4bac391253c5cebfae761dbd2eb027df30b57579c156791d3248ca3f" data-rendition-name="original" width="2560" height="1369" loading="lazy" alt="Sheroes"> </figure>  This all-female band is an anomaly in the jazz scene where women still remain underrepresented. Sheroes was the brainchild of pianist, composer and arranger Monika Herzig who wanted to bring women jazz musicians together and provide powerful role models on stage and break the lingering gender stereotypes in jazz. The band is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The Sheroes ensembles over time have brought together an extended network of talented women jazz musicians. Together, the musicians create music as they navigate their individual skill and style while showcasing an undeniable chemistry. Sheroes continues to elevate some of the top composers and players in jazz.&nbsp; Monica Herzig – Piano | Jamie Baum – Flute |&nbsp; Reut Regev – Trombone | Gina Schwarz – Bass |&nbsp; Rosa Avila – Drums <h2>Alma Naidu (Germany)</h2>  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20241023071012_655281cecef3a041aa0abde2f66cb39deba3a323b37020ae15e01613131a1113.jpg" data-media-id="editor_2" data-image-id="20241023071012_655281cecef3a041aa0abde2f66cb39deba3a323b37020ae15e01613131a1113" data-rendition-name="original" width="2375" height="2560" loading="lazy" alt="Alma Naidu"> </figure>  Described as “one of the most promising singers on the German scene” by Süddeutsche Zeitung, a daily newspaper in Germany, Alma Naidu is a singer, composer and lyricist based in Munich. Naidu boasts an enviable collection of top prizes honouring rising German jazz artists, and has also appeared in various musical theatre and opera productions.&nbsp; Her debut album, Alma, was released in 2022 and comprised almost entirely of her own compositions and arrangements. Relatively an emerging artist among the Jazzmandu’s lineup, has previously performed across Germany, the Czech Republic and France with her touring quartet, which features her on the keys as well as vocals. Alma Naidu – Vocals and piano | Andeas Dombert – Guitar &nbsp;| Ferdinand Schwartz – Bass | Florian Stierstofer – Drums <h2>Antonio Lizana Quintet (Spain)</h2>  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20241023071016_1a0138b8a158fc714b22730390d152d4782ef8480dd780d2387df350a3ab3544.jpg" data-media-id="editor_3" data-image-id="20241023071016_1a0138b8a158fc714b22730390d152d4782ef8480dd780d2387df350a3ab3544" data-rendition-name="original" width="2560" height="1097" loading="lazy" alt="Antonio quintet"> </figure>  Antonio Lizana is a jazz saxophonist and flamenco singer and composer who has blended jazz with flamenco and is one of the most celebrated representatives of new flamenco jazz. Lizana’s quintet have performed in more than 30 countries – including at festivals in London, New York, San Francisco, Shanghai, Madrid, Barcelona and beyond – and has worked on Grammy-winning works with artists such as Arturo O’Farrill and Alejandro Sanz. Lizana’s live shows have been described as a “breathtaking journey from flamenco roots to contemporary jazz”, with his soulful lyrics carrying messages of optimism and sincerity to his audiences access the globe. Antonio Lizana – Vocals and saxophone | Adriano Lozano – Guitar and and backing vocals | Ismael Alcina – Bass and backing vocals&nbsp; | Vincent Thomas – Drums | El Mawi – Flamenco dancing and backing vocals <h2>Afro Dizzi Act (Australia)</h2>  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20241023071016_473edf5ef5fdc479f0c6caf7256cecc3084aba72876ad539150693bec2301e04.jpg" data-media-id="editor_4" data-image-id="20241023071016_473edf5ef5fdc479f0c6caf7256cecc3084aba72876ad539150693bec2301e04" data-rendition-name="original" width="1500" height="1255" loading="lazy" alt="Afro Dizzy Act"> </figure>  Born as an adventurous jam band in Brisbane in the late 1990s, Afro Dizzi Act is known to be one of the best fusion bands to ever come out of Australia, and is celebrated as one of the country’s premier festival bands. From an early sound that blended in hip-hop as well as drum and bass, the band took on influences from jazz and world music as its growing reputation took the musicians to new places, arriving at World Beat Festival that comprises a dizzying variety of musical traditions and a mind-opening global perspective.&nbsp; Afro Dizzi Act has headlined top Australian festivals such as the Big Day Out and the Byron Bay Bluesfest, performed in Dubai, toured the Northeast of India, and played at the first edition of Jazzmandu in 2002. This year, to celebrate Jazzmandu’s 20th anniversary, the band will be performing alongside Navin Chettri of the Cadenza Collective to revive early days of the annual jazz festival. Nick Aggs – Saxophone | Shannon Sol Carroll – Guitar |&nbsp; Oj Newcomb – Bass | Navin Chettri – Drums |&nbsp; Matt Ledgar – Percussions <h2>Cadenza Collective (Nepal)</h2>  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20241023071016_dab2e03a9643141a4b1416a6bc00e8fea59840798b07c631a30190a93f39e7b3.jpg" data-media-id="editor_5" data-image-id="20241023071016_dab2e03a9643141a4b1416a6bc00e8fea59840798b07c631a30190a93f39e7b3" data-rendition-name="original" width="857" height="544" loading="lazy" alt="Cadenza"> </figure>  Cadenza Collective, spearheaded by drummer and composer Navin Chettri, has been blending Jazz, Afro-funk, and Nepali folk into an irresistible sound to get your groove on. Formed in 1998, Cadenza was one of the first bands to experiment with jazz in the Kathmandu Valley, at a time when rock and pop music dominated the music scene. Cadenza broke the mould and has evolved into a mature and experienced collective of musicians and music educators.&nbsp; Their music has pumped vitality into the improvised music scene in Nepal and beyond through regular performances with both classical and western musicians. With 5 albums to date showcasing their original music, their latest, Back to the Roots, won Best Pop/Rock Composition for their song “Namaste”, and Best Pop/Rock Album of the Year at the 2014 Nepal Hits FM Music Awards. Navin Chettri – Vocals and Drums | Rajat Rai – Guitar |&nbsp; Samir Chettri – Bass | InapRaj Shrestha – Tenor Sax |&nbsp; Pravin Chhetri – Alto Sax <h2>Samundra (Nepal)</h2>  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20241023071016_18153f12a84a9e1cc890cad600f0ab3a519be2f563db984e984ec5251e4c7d57.jpg" data-media-id="editor_6" data-image-id="20241023071016_18153f12a84a9e1cc890cad600f0ab3a519be2f563db984e984ec5251e4c7d57" data-rendition-name="original" width="2048" height="1153" loading="lazy" alt="Samundra band"> </figure>  Samundra is a band of musicians and sarangi players known for their performances of Nepali folk fusion music. Formed in 2004, the band stays true to the age-old traditional folk music of the Gandharba community. They recompose authentic Nepali tunes in new forms, updating the cherished old music for contemporary taste. They also educate people on traditional music through their YouTube channel, making it accessible for all. Anil Gandharba also teaches how to use sarangi on their channel. This band is passionate about promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Nepal through their music. Anil Gandharba - Sarangi | Arbajo Buddha Gandharba - Sarangi | Ramkrishna Gandharba - Flute/Arbajo | Samsher Gandharba - Madal | Arjun Gandharba - Madal | Raju Gandharba - Percussion <h2>Dhrupad Gurukul (Nepal)</h2>  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20241023071016_ac99f1d13ac3532016a08227a7592381b03c460fc4df13b06a463059ae0fe24a.jpg" data-media-id="editor_7" data-image-id="20241023071016_ac99f1d13ac3532016a08227a7592381b03c460fc4df13b06a463059ae0fe24a" data-rendition-name="original" width="1280" height="960" loading="lazy" alt="Dhrupad Gurukul"> </figure>  <h2> </h2> Dhrupad is a form of Hindustani classical music that is distinguished by its emphasis on maintaining the purity of ragas and swaras.&nbsp; Vishal Bhattarai joined hands with his gurubhai Inoue Sou to establish Dhrupad Gurukul Kathmandu, and the duo has been performing and teaching Dhrupad in Nepal for the last decade. Their performance at Jazzmandu will be joined by the renowned pakhawaj player Mukesh Shakya, and two students currently training under the Gurukul. <h2>SCHEDULE&nbsp;</h2> Jazz for the Next Generation&nbsp; Thursday, 24 October&nbsp; 11AM- 1:30PM&nbsp; Closed Invitation&nbsp; St Xavier’s School, Jawalakhel&nbsp; Groovin’ at Upstairs Thursday, 24 October&nbsp; 7PM – 9PM&nbsp; Rs1,000 Jazz Upstairs, Lazimpat Valley Jams Friday, 25 October&nbsp; 6:30PM – 9PM Rs800 Simultaneously at:&nbsp; Jazz Upstairs, Lazimpat Electric Pagoda, Thamel Eden, Jhamsikhel La Terrasse, Chundevi Hard Rock Cafe, Durbar Marg Jazz Bazaar Saturday, 26 October 3PM – 10PM&nbsp; Rs1,600 Gokarna Forest Resort Sounds of Flamenco Jazz and Afro-Beat Monday, 28 October 7PM – 9PM Rs2,000 Lawn by Nanglo, Jhamsikhel Jazz at Patan Tuesday, 29 October&nbsp; 7PM – 9PM Rs2,000 Dhokaima Cafe, Patan Jazzmandu Finale Wednesday, 30 October 5:30PM - 10PM&nbsp; Rs1,800 The Malla Hotel, Lainchaur&nbsp;

Jazzing up the town for the 20th time

Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Thapa's candidacy in Sarlahi-4 has thrust this Madhes constituency into rare national focus. If Thapa wins and the NC emerges as the largest party, Sarlahi-4 will send Nepal's next prime minister to Parliament. But if he does not, Nepal’s grand old party will face the next years in the opposition to fight another day. There is a troubling paradox in Sarlahi-4 where the district bordering the Indian state of Bihar has been a battleground for national politicians with fierce electoral competition, all while remaining one of the region's most underserved and underdeveloped constituencies.  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20260305140344_069cbbc11e971a851b444866dee57f760c0cc611ed40bdf96c627e343e3c0485.png" data-media-id="editor_0" data-image-id="20260305140344_069cbbc11e971a851b444866dee57f760c0cc611ed40bdf96c627e343e3c0485" data-rendition-name="original" width="1802" height="1276" loading="lazy" alt="Sarlahi-4 voting"> <figcaption>Photo: MADHES PAHARA MEDIA</figcaption> </figure>  Ever since Mahant Thakur split from NC in 2008 to form the Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party, the district has seen rotating political alliances and fragmented votes. Yet, despite 18 years of candidates promising change irrigation schemes remain incomplete, market access for farmers has not improved, unemployment is high.&nbsp; On election day, voters here marked their ballots with fingers stained by dye from the Holi festival the day before. The road leading to Barathawa Bazar was deserted for the most part, except for some youth riding in motorcycles. This is where the high-profile contest between Gagan Thapa and RSP nominee Amresh Singh is being staged. Among the other aspirants is 27-year-old UML candidate Amnish Yadav, the son of former MP Shiv Pujan Yadav. The Yadavs are a political family with considerable caste influence in the constituency. In 2022 Yadav’s daughter Madhumala Yadav received over 14,000 votes here, ranking third overall. Yadav was voted MP from the Maoist party, but defected to the UML this time. His other son is the chair of Sarlahi’s Ramnagar Rural Municipality. Sarhali-4 has 121,012 voters, and the Yadav is banking on the 27,000-strong Yadav vote bank. Sarlahi-4 voter Avishek Sah told us he wanted his vote to go to a young nominee and not someone who has been MP thrice already, like Amresh Singh. &nbsp;  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20260305140344_527c5c2f9aa6a6c7e3bbdfbfe79fdafb0a0b56a62427e9ced86b924c6c563b10.jpg" data-media-id="editor_1" data-image-id="20260305140344_527c5c2f9aa6a6c7e3bbdfbfe79fdafb0a0b56a62427e9ced86b924c6c563b10" data-rendition-name="original" width="1200" height="1600" loading="lazy" alt="Sarlahi-4 voting"> <figcaption>Photo: AYUSHA CHALISE</figcaption> </figure>  To make local loyalties even more complicated, Amnish Yadav’s uncle, Harinder Yadav is an active NC member and walked side by side with Gagan Thapa during his door-to-door campaigns.&nbsp; The NC is betting on Thapa getting over 60% of the total votes. Amresh Singh’s tally could be limited to 10,000 votes — that too because of the nationwide RSP wave, and the popularity of its prime ministerial hopeful Balendra (Balen) Shah. “Amresh Singh lost his appeal when he played victim after he was denied a ticket by the NC in 2022,” Harinder Yadav says. Voters we spoke to here agreed with this assessment that Singh did not do much for the district once he got elected in the past, and being a part of the RSP seems to be his biggest asset. “The only reason I voted for Amresh Singh is because Balen is in RSP,” local voter Mahendra Gupta from Barathawa. &nbsp;“This is his last chance to return the people’s trust.”&nbsp; Gupta is aware of the institutional presence of the NC here. The party received the most votes in 2022 local elections, adding that the candidacy of someone as high-profile as Thapa is a positive sign for Sarlahi-4.&nbsp; Other voters like Ruby Gupta are rooting for both the NC and the RSP. “I will vote for Gagan and for Balen,” she says, adding that her FPTP vote will go to Thapa while her PR ballot would be for the RSP. RSP supporters are confident that their candidate will win big because even though many voters may not have openly voiced their support they still voted for the party and candidate. The Balen Wave was not limited to RSP voters, but also to UML candidate Yadav, who said in a gathering that he will be “the voters Balen” if they elect him. He touted his party’s track record in government, and largely campaigned on administrative efficiency, infrastructural expansion, and local service delivery. Amresh Singh ran on the RSP’s anti-establishment brand, promising to fight corruption, challenge traditional party politics, improve basic services such as education, health, jobs, and infrastructure, while pushing for stronger representation and development for Madhes.&nbsp;  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20260305140344_982df01801fa7d3532ca0555ecb8a0756e3223be3d93650e08ca82a312dc2ebd.jpg" data-media-id="editor_2" data-image-id="20260305140344_982df01801fa7d3532ca0555ecb8a0756e3223be3d93650e08ca82a312dc2ebd" data-rendition-name="original" width="1600" height="1200" loading="lazy" alt="Sarlahi-4 voting"> <figcaption>Photo:AYUSHA CHALISE</figcaption> </figure>  Singh’s rivalry with his NC competitor goes beyond the ballot— he allegedly blames Thapa for being denied the NC ticket in 2022, which led him to win the election from Sarlahi-4 as an independent. &nbsp; For his part, Gagan Thapa focused on a more pragmatic development agenda that includes upgrading roads and irrigation, improving schools and hospitals, supporting farmers, and creating employment opportunities with improved governance at the centre. He also promised to build an engineering college in the constituency.&nbsp; Thapa also promoted his own anti-establishment image within the NC, repeatedly reminding voters on the campaign trail that he represents the aspirations of the youth.&nbsp; On Thursday, as voting progressed, there were violent disruptions in two centres where voting was briefly halted. But Sarlahi district police spokesperson Saroj Rai told Nepali Times that there were no major problems. Police in collaboration with the Nepal Army sent the ballot papers to the district’s counting stations, where the votes are expected to be tallied through the night and the winner announced Friday morning.

Sarlahi-4 nervously watches ballot count

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Nepal Election live results

As this report is uploaded, the latest results in Nepal’s election show that the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is headed for an even bigger sweep than most had predicted.
The RSP was leading by large margins in 49 of 165 constituencies, &nbsp;with the UML, NC and NCP trailing far behind. Prominent political figures from the old parties like K P Oli, Minwndra Prasad Rijal, Ishwar Pokhrel, Bishnu Prasad Poudel, Bimalendra Nidhi all seem headed for defeat.
It does look like the RSP’s bell election symbol is ringing right across Nepal — from cities to the remotest districts in the mountains and plains. The party’s blue colour is sweeping the land.
The Nepali people seem to have sent a clear message that they were throughly dissatisfied with the chronic failure of the three main parties to work in the national interest to create jobs and deliver development. It was also an expression of lingering outrage over the the 8 September massacre outside Parliament. &nbsp;
It now looks almost certain that Balendra Shah will get to be Nepal’s next, and youngest, prime minister. Hopefully he will be leading a cabinet of competent and honest technocrats. It remains to seen how the power equation between Shah and the RSP’s leader, Rabi Lamichhane will play out.
Lamichhane is out of jail on bail for fraud cases which he has called political vendetta by the previous regime. Both he and Shah are charismatic and ambitious. Their working relationship will determine Nepal's political stability and whether it can avoid the political cronyism of the past.
This election was not just about casting votes. It was about standing up to principles and a value system, and respecting the hopes and aspirations of Nepal’s youth. It to push for transparent government and against impunity — including for the gunning down of young Nepalis in cold blood.
<div class="embed-block"><iframe src="https://election-geo-dashboard.pages.dev/" width="100%" height="600" frameborder="0"> </iframe>Live election results as winners of candidates are announced.</div>
CAN DO MAN
Shah got mixed reviews as mayor. He was impulsive and ad hoc, but most people inKathmandu and beyond liked his can-do attitude and unconventional style which stood in sharp contract to the legacy leaders. Over his three year mayorship he showed more maturity and planning capacity.&nbsp;
But he always ran headlong into opposition from the federal government over his urban planning and other initiatives to make Kathmandu more liveable. Coming from a civil and structural engineering background, he was involved in building low-cost housing after the 2015 earthquake.
But his public persona is more tied to his irreverent rap lyrics that stood up for the marginalised underprivileged in society, while exposing the high-handedness and apathy of the state. But this also exposed contradictions because he also used his own municipal guards to beat and chase away street vendors and squatters.
But there is no doubt that a combination of the sharp messaging in his rap videos amplified by the algorithms of social media ignited Nepal’s youth to rise up. It was more about optics and emotion than policy and strategy.
He studied Kathmandu district for five years, visiting experts in every field before announcing his independent candidacy for mayor in 2022. Many like me in his own constitunecy did not know who he was and where he came from.
He is a year younger than my architect son, and I saw in him a reflection of my own son’s commitment to serving the nation. I voted for him to be mayor despite his sometimes erratic behaviour, which could be attributed to his youth.
The best sign of his strategic planning, which unsettled septuagenarian and octogenarian politicians, is the he did not grab the first easy option of becoming prime minister in September when GenZ activists offered him the post.&nbsp;
Joining RSP was a masterstroke, as was his challenge to Oli in Jhapa to project national branding. He needed a party platform and Lamichhane needed a popular prime ministerial persona since he himself could not hold the post.
Shah has shown the capacity to take risks when he believes the value justifies the action for the country. Now, he will have to show more strategic thinking on a national scale, as well as understand the delicate geopolitics of Nepal.&nbsp;
He must rise above the kind of crude social media posts that earned him followers on X, but did nothing to erase his erratic and impulsive image.&nbsp;
Some assume that behind his trademark RayBan shades is a closet dictator, and his past remarks about Hitler are still up on social media. He has in the past shown impatience with criticism, unleashing supporters on social media to troll detractors.&nbsp;
Even so, the public seems willing to place their hope on an educated young man with integrity and a proven record for planning at the helm. By tomorrow it will be clear whether the hope Nepalis have held has been fulfilled, and the coming years will show if the RSP will lead Nepalis to a better future.
The voters seem to have shown the door even to the NC despite the fact that under Gagan Thapa, the party had turned a new leaf. A strong government under Prime Minister Balendra Shah heading a carefully selected cabinet and a strong opposition of the NC, UML and other parties for check and balance may be just what we need for a stable Nepal.&nbsp;
Nepalis have collectively always shown maturity in elections. This time they have given a resounding endorsement for integrity and for good governance.

Bells ring all over Nepal

After Thursday’s election, Nepalis are in a wait-and-watch mode. The Election Commission says counting ballot papers will be expedited this time, and the results for the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) will start being declared within days. In 2022, it took three weeks for the final results to be tallied.&nbsp;
But winning an election is only half the challenge for the parties, forming a government under parliamentary politics is like a complicated mathematical equation.&nbsp;
In 2022, the Nepali Congress (NC) emerged as the biggest party, winning 89 seats. But the UML with 78 seats and the Maoists with 32 formed a minority government. In fact, Sher Bahadur Deuba did not become PM then despite leading the biggest party in Parliament.
This time, there is an unmistakeable Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) wave led by its prime ministerial candidate, Balendra Shah. Besides his own popularity, Shah represents change which most Nepalis are clamouring for after decades of corrupt and feckless coalitions that did not deliver.&nbsp;
The past months of campaigning has seen massive youth engagement on social media through memes, AI clips, and viral images. Digital content that appeals to emotion rather than policy debate between candidates shape electoral outcomes in Nepal and elsewhere. &nbsp;
Shah represents GenZ aspirations, and was their candidate for prime minister. It was only when he declined that Sushila Karki was nominated. None of the political parties in the recent past -- new, old, or revolutionary — have won enough seats to go it alone.&nbsp;
The most recent majority government was formed by the short-lived Communist Party of Nepal after the UML-Maoist merger in 2022. But that rare two-thirds majority collapsed after a power struggle between K P Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The only party to have won a majority was the NC in the 1991 and 1999 elections. But it is near impossible for it to repeat this success now, even with Gagan Thapa's rebranding of the party.&nbsp;
We have compiled these possible scenarios for election outcome in order of likelihood:
RSP gets a majority
RSP hits the magic 138 to form a government entirely on its own. Balendra Shah wins Jhapa-5, and becomes the new prime minister at 35, the youngest ever to hold the office in Nepal. But danger lurks: there could be a personality clash between Shah and Lamichhane who are both equally ambitious. History could repeat itself.&nbsp;
RSP wins but does not get a majority
RSP is likely to sweep the most votes, but what if it does not secure enough seats for a majority? It would need a coalition partner and Nepali Communist Party (NCP) under Pushpa Kamal Dahal could fit the bill, but only if it has the numbers. The RSP is not likely to team up with the UML or NC.
The NCP is relatively untainted by the 8 September events, and also has former UML defectors like Madhav Kumar Nepal and Bhim Rawal who could bag their rural vote banks. After all, there are no permanent foes in politics. If the royalist RPP and Tarai-based Janata Samajwadi have enough seats, those could be options for the RSP. &nbsp;
NC is second
The NC under the new leadership of Gagan Thapa could become the second biggest force and form a government with RSP in a power-sharing deal with Shah. This would be the most stable scenario since the RSP and NC have competent and idealistic young technocrats. Thapa himself embodies a strong combination of both old and new politics to navigate the system for more efficient government. But then Thapa and the RSP's Rabi Lamichhane do not get along.
NC and NCP form a majority
If the NC becomes the largest party but not by a big margin, it could join up with the NCP and Ujyalo. Teaming up with the UML would likely face backlash with the party and outside. If Gagan Thapa becomes prime minister he will face internal pressure from both Deuba loyalists. Same old story.
Minority coalition of NC, UML and NCP
RSP becomes the first party but does not get a majority, paving the way for the three legacy parties to cobble together a minority government. While this is possible in Nepal’s parliamentary system, such a scenario is likely to lead to more instability and dissatisfaction among young Nepalis demanding change, and even trigger street unrest. &nbsp;