Nepal’s folk-rock band Nepathya’s upcoming concert in Sikkim has received official backing from the state government, with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang –Golay, unveiling the event’s ticket and specially designed T-shirt.

Tamang launched the two items during a ceremony in Gangtok on Saturday marking India’s 80th Republic Day. Nepathya had earlier announced that it would perform at Paljor Stadium in the Sikkim capital on October 31.

The concert will be the band’s fourth performance in Sikkim and its biggest there to date, according to the organisers. Nepathya’s first concert in the state was held indoors after the band’s return to the music scene. Its subsequent outdoor performances took place in Pakyong, on the grounds opposite St Xavier’s School, and Rabangla, on the shore of Cho Jo Lake.

Organised by Positive Vibes Entertainment Network, the Gangtok concert aims to promote Sikkim’s music and culture, encourage young people’s creativity and showcase the state’s natural beauty, the organisers said.

Tenzing Dorje, coordinator of the organising team, thanked Tamang for publicly supporting the event.

“We are eagerly looking forward to welcoming Nepathya, one of Nepal’s leading musical groups, to Sikkim,” Dorje said.

Nepathya lead singer Amrit Gurung said the band had consistently received a warm reception in Sikkim and Darjeeling, where several generations have grown up listening to its songs on local radio stations.

“We have been receiving encouraging news about the concert for quite some time, which has further boosted our enthusiasm,” Gurung said.

Nepathya will also perform in Itahari on November 4 and is preparing for a concert in Kirtipur. The band is scheduled to tour South Korea this year and is planning performances in several Nepali cities and abroad towards the end of the year.

Gurung will be joined in Gangtok by Dhruv Lama on drums, Subin Shakya on bass guitar, Niraj Gurung on guitar, Shanti Rayamajhi on madal and Dineshraj Regmi on keyboards.

Tickets for the Gangtok concert can be purchased online through Nepathya’s official website.