Bhoomi Lok Festival concludes in collaboration with Ncell Foundation (photos)
The festival, held on Saturday, featured performances from local, national, and international artists, alongside the participation of local dignitaries, domestic and foreign guests, and thousands of Janakpur residents.
KATHMANDU: The Bhoomi Foundation, in collaboration with the Ncell Foundation, successfully organized the Bhoomi Lok Festival at Tirahutiya Gachhi in Janakpur, aimed at preserving and reviving the diverse folk music culture of the Mithila region.
The festival, held on Saturday, featured performances from local, national, and international artists, alongside the participation of local dignitaries, domestic and foreign guests, and thousands of Janakpur residents.
The event showcased nearly extinct folk music and instruments from the Madhesh State, as well as classical Maithili folk music by the renowned Indian artist Dr. Ranjana Jha and her group. This rich diversity captivated the audience, winning their hearts.
Ncell Foundation was the main sponsor of this year’s Bhoomi Festival, part of its corporate social responsibility initiative to promote and preserve Nepali art and cultural heritage. The program included presentations of traditional dances at risk of extinction, such as Pumaria, Rasanchauki, and Jhiri-Jhiri, which helped forge a strong connection with the audience, allowing them to feel a deep sense of belonging.
Nationally acclaimed artists such as Sushant Ghimire, Rag, Jhuma Limbu, Pyatakawli, and Ashish & Abhishek, along with Rupesh Jha, performed at the event. Sudhan Munikar presented the Bhairav Kali dance, and Subima Shrestha’s group showcased Kathak dance, adding a glimpse of Kathmandu’s dance traditions to the festival.
Students from local Himalayan schools delivered an enchanting performance of the Jhijhiya dance, traditionally sung during the Dashain festival in the Mithila-Madhesh region. Recently gaining recognition for his unique experimental performances on a prominent national television show, local youth artist Santosh Jha’s Maithili-Yap group invigorated the youth audience with enthusiasm.
“I would like to express heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, supporting organizations, and volunteer friends, without whom the Bhoomi Festival would not have been possible. Special thanks to Ncell Foundation for collaborating with us as the main sponsor to promote and preserve local art and culture,” said Chandresha Pandey, Executive Director of the Bhoomi Lok Festival.
Rashmi Ranjan Jha, Chair of the Bhoomi Foundation, noted that the warmth, ownership, and support shown by the people of Janakpur during this event have inspired them to host more such programs in the coming years. Initiated to preserve and revive the rich musical and cultural heritage of the Madhesh, this Lok Festival has created a unique cultural experience for the citizens of Janakpur.
According to program coordinator Sumit Mishra, while events in this region usually see low attendance from tourists outside India, the Bhoomi Lok Festival witnessed an encouraging turnout of tourists from nearly 10 to 12 countries, including Europe, America, and China.
The Bhoomi Festival received support from the Ncell Foundation, along with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism of the Madhesh Province Government, B.P. Koirala India-Nepal Foundation, Indian Embassy, Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency, Swiss Embassy, Maya Art Foundation, Janakpur Municipality, UNESCO Kathmandu, Social Feed, Nepal Commercial Bank, NMB Bank, Sangrila Publication, and Jawalakel Group of Industries, among others.
Additionally, Photo Circle, Surya Nepal, Mithila Cultural Village, Chef Santosh Shah’s Mithila Thali, Red Mud Coffee Janakpur, Janakpur Community College, Masala Cottage Restaurant and Lounge, Mithila Series, Design House, Al Media Solution, Appan Television, Colors FM Janakpur, Janakanandani FM 95.5, Mithilaanchal FM, Air International School, Mala Color Printing Press, and Bharat Graphic Design also provided support and assistance for this year’s Bhoomi Lok Festival.
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