Nhyoo Bajracharya headlined this month’s Paleti series at Nepalaya’s R-Sala in Kalikasthan, performing across two evenings on Friday and Saturday.

The event featured over a dozen of his compositions, presented both solo and in collaboration with vocalist Banika Pradhan.

The performance began with Bajracharya himself seated on stage with a guitar, recounting anecdotes from his musical journey while rendering some of his most celebrated works. The programme opened with a tribute to the late singer Lasmit Rai, as Bajracharya performed ‘Na Aau Sapana Bhari’—a song originally recorded in her voice.

In one segment, he recalled his first meeting with lyricist Dinesh Adhikari and followed it with ‘Aghi Aghi Jindagi’. The evening also included ‘Euti Sani Pari’, a poetic piece penned by Biplav Pratik, who also served as the host for both nights.

Bajracharya transitioned into the second half of the programme with ‘Aadhi Bato Hidepachhi’, written by Raman Ghimire. The latter portion featured vocalist Banika Pradhan, who captivated the audience with songs such as ‘Yo Man Ta Talau Ho’, originally sung by Aruna Lama, along with other selections like ‘Timi Bahek’, ‘Khata Basechha’, ‘Ae Aina’, and ‘Chhaaechha Basanta’.

The programme showcased lyrics from writers including Durgalal Shrestha, Basanta Chaudhary, Manju Lama, Bhushan Kharel, Gopal Pahari, Madan Krishna Shrestha, Kshetrapratap Adhikari, and Suresh Sthapit. Bajracharya also presented some of his self-written compositions.

Banika Pradhan’s performance was met with widespread praise, with attendees highlighting her vocal delivery and compatibility with Bajracharya’s arrangements. In the final segment, Bajracharya presented a set of full-instrumentation pieces, including 'Mero Pyaro’, ‘Pagal’, ‘Arbaun Manche Haruma’, and ‘Jaya Hos’. His rendition of ‘Phoolko Aankhama’—sung in both Nepali and Newar—was a notable highlight.

The musical ensemble included Dinesh Regmi on keyboard, Shambhu Baniya on tabla, Milan Ghimire on flute, Parshmani Subedi on percussion, Luman Sthapit on guitar, and Sudip Khatri on bass.

Singer Shesh Narayan, an attendee on the opening night, remarked, “I was curious how Nhyoo’s compositions would be packaged for Paleti. The performance not only met expectations—it exceeded them. Brilliant show.”

Poet and host Biplav Pratik reflected, “Tonight was unforgettable. Nhyoo’s music was, as always, beautiful—but it was his sense of humour that made the evening even more engaging.”

Paleti coordinator Abhas announced that the August edition will feature composer and singer Ramkrishna Duwal, known for his long-standing contributions to Nepali and Nepal Bhasa music.

Duwal will take the stage on the final Friday and Saturday of August at R-Sala.