As 2025 drew to a close, popular singer-songwriter Bartika Eam Rai concluded her ‘Ityaadi’ concert series with back-to-back sold-out performances in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

The two-city tour, which took place on December 26 and 27, served as a powerful exclamation point to a prolific year for the artist. Known for her poetic lyricism and intimate solo performances, Rai embraced a ‘high-octane’ full-band setup in this series.

The anticipation for the ‘Ityaadi’ series was evident long before the first chord was struck. In Kathmandu, early bird tickets for the performance at Club Nova were sold out in just 15 minutes.

The scale of the tour’s success was reflected in the final attendance figures. In Kathmandu, a capacity crowd of 2,200 attended Club Nova on December 26. In Pokhara, more than 1,200 fans filled Club Catwalk on December 27.

Joining her on stage were: Diwas Gurung (guitar/producer), Yugal Gurung (drums), Sahil Uprety (bass), and Abhishek Rai Lama (keyboard).

The ensemble provided a fresh perspective on tracks from her 2024 album, ‘Aandhii’, ‘Ityaadi’, while breathing new life into fan favourites from her earlier works like ‘Bimbaakash’ and ‘Taral’.

“Performing these songs with a full band in Kathmandu and Pokhara was the most fulfilling way to end the year,” Rai shared following the tour. “The energy from the audience was palpable. I am deeply grateful to the listeners who showed up and to my incredible bandmates for making these performances so special.”

Managed by kGarira and artist manager Nirnet Maharjan, the tour was a collaborative success, with partners including KTM LIVE, Momo Entertainment, and YNWA.

Since her 2016 debut, Bartika Eam Rai has consistently pushed the boundaries of Nepali contemporary music. By blending her signature narrative complexity with the high energy of a live band, the ‘Ityaadi’ series has solidified her position as a leading force in the region’s independent music movement.