Nepalaya’s ‘R’ Shala in Kalikasthan hosted a special two-day Paleti event on Friday and Saturday in memory of the late singer Phatteman Rajbhandari, commemorating his 89th birth anniversary.

The programme is part of a longstanding initiative — Paleti — launched nearly 21 years ago to celebrate Nepali music through short, focused performances. This edition showcased 13 of Phatteman’s most popular songs over nearly two hours.

The evening opened with the renowned track "Yesto Pani Hundo Raichha", followed by a presentation of memoirs and reflections, delivered in a style that Paleti has termed Geeti-Nibandha — a fusion of musical performance with narrative essays. Composer Aavaas, who worked closely with Phatteman, presented a heartfelt essay highlighting memorable moments from his collaborations with the singer, as well as anecdotes about the songwriters and musicians associated with his music.

Among the reflections, Aavaas recounted Phatteman’s work on a musical album at the age of 70, aptly titled Phatteman 70 Ma, emphasising the enduring creative spirit of the late singer. As songs and narrative intertwined, the audience was visibly moved, reflecting the emotional depth of the presentation.

The musical set included compositions by Madhav Ghimire, Natikaji, Yadav Kharel, Ambar Gurung, Shivashankar, Ramman Trishit, Gyanbahadur Shrestha, Narayan Gopal, Kali Prasad Rijal, Achyut Krishna Kharel, Sahadev Rana, Bikram Subba, Tirthraj Tuladhar, and Manjul. Key performances featured "Jeevan Huri Ko Geet", "Kasto Maya Laiyechha", "Yeti Chot Sahanlai Ta", and "Raat Ko Sapana Banki Hunna", among others.

The finale featured a poignant piece composed by Aavaas with lyrics by poet Manjul:

"Marchhu ra ma dungaa banchhu, aaunda nadi taarna sakuun..."

“I shall die and become a boat, to help cross rivers in the future..."

Audience members were visibly emotional, reflecting on Fatteman’s life and artistic journey. Young singer Rupak Chaudhary led the vocal segment, impressively echoing Phatteman’s style, while musician Aavaas lightheartedly introduced him with the playful comment: “Brother, I want to add honour to your name — Singer Rupakman Chaudhary.”

The accompanying ensemble included Milesh Tandukar on tabla, Milan Ghimire on flute, Sundarkumar Maharjan on percussion, Kripesh Lohani on guitar, Sudip Khatri on bass guitar, and Sunil Singh on keyboard.

Organisers confirmed that the next Paleti, scheduled for the last Friday and Saturday of December (26–27), will feature a blend of new and classic compositions presented by composer and singer Aavaas.