This year’s Paleti featured artistes Aavaas, Kunti Moktan and Deepak Kharel who performed on September 11, 12 and 13 respectively. All shows started at 6 pm at the Buddha Hall of DAV school, Jawalakhel.

Paleti concerts are known for well-rehearsed, high quality performances. The singers performed live along with an orchestra that also included vocal choirs.

Aavaas’s cantata was an exploration as the song encompassed several issues. The self-composed piece by the singer primarily delved into the outflux of youth from the country, for jobs, and how that has affected both the fortune seekers in the distant land and their loved ones who’re left behind. A blue bird, in the song, glides over towns and villages witnessing the tragic situation.

In an interview after the performance, Professor Abhi Subedi recalled that there were a few futile attempts to record cantatas in Nepal during the 90s and then all was forgotten. He said that Aavaas’s endeavour was commendable.

Aavaas himself stated that it was a daunting challenge to prepare the piece: from writing lyrics to composing it in a limited timeframe of two months.

“This was our first attempt, and of course we have areas we need to work on. Nevertheless, I’m satisfied with what we did’’ he said.

Prior to performing the cantata, Aavaas also sang a few numbers he had composed for children.

Moktan’s night on Friday was another experience altogether. The popular adhunik singer performed hits like Mathi Mathi Sailunge Maa, Kahile Kahi Malai Pani, Choli Ramro Palpali  Dhakako and Sunkai Bhau Chha to name a few.

During intervals, Moktan shared memories and anecdotes from her musical life.

While most concerts in the city have singers performing on a pre-recorded track, Paleti is one among the few platforms where artistes get to perform live, accompanied by an orchestra.

“I have hardly performed with such a huge orchestra,” said Moktan.

During the latter half of the show, Moktan was accompanied by her musician husband Shila Bahadur Moktan. And, as the final act, Moktan performed a patriotic song titled Mero Nepal during which she was accompanied by her two daughters Shital and Shubani as well.

The third and final night saw the performance of yet another eminent adhunik singer Deepak Kharel who enthralled the crowd with his mesmerising numbers like Pratikshya Gara, Badal Banaideau and Timro Har Prasna ko Jawaf.

Singing after a long hiatus, Kharel sounded nostalgic as he recounted how Timro tyo Hasilo Muhar  became an instant hit when broadcast on Radio Nepal.

Paleti Utsav ended on Sept 13 with Kharel’s performance.