CityPulse: Kathmandu this week with dance, art, music, and more

Last week’s persistent pollution must have left the eyes and throat of many of us stringy and our minds a little foggy. Unfortunately, it’s not over yet and all eyes are set on the weather, hoping that rain will finally arrive and clear the air. 

Yet a refreshing start to the week is something we all deserve. Why not step out and discover something uplifting happening around the city? 

From a dance tribute show to a hands-on paubha painting workshop, here’s what’s happening.

String Art Workshop 

String Art is a creative technique that uses threads or yarns and nails to create designs and images. The Precious Arts, an institute focused on preserving Nepali culture, is bringing a three day ‘String Art Workshop’ for anyone who is just starting out or interested in learning new artistic techniques. The workshop provides step by step guidance in creating string art design and bringing life to simple threads. All the materials for the workshop will be provided. 

Event Details:
Date: March 20-22
Time: 1-5 PM
Location: The Precious Arts, Chusika, Patan
Entry: Paid

Natya Utsav 3.0 

Natya Utsav is celebrating dance, music and so much more. Belly Dance Nepal has dedicated the month of March to Natya Utsav 3.0 as they step into their fifth year. The event includes performances from various dance forms including semi-classical, cultural and modern forms. This is your chance to witness music and storytelling unfold through movement. 

By the way, don’t forget to read our own ‘Ta tei tei ta’, where our writer explores her journey with Bharatanatyam and delves into the rich history behind the dance form.

Event Details:
Date: March 20
Time: 6 PM 
Location: Rastriya Nach Ghar, Kathmandu
Entry: Paid

Mukh Akriti

If you are fascinated by the paintings of divine god and goddess, ‘Mukh Akriti: Painting faces of the divine in traditional paubha’ awaits you this week. Paubha painting is a traditional Newari art form Hindu and Buddhist deities, mandalas and monuments. 

Mukh Akriti is a 15-day intensive workshop led by Udaya Charan Shrestha, a renowned Paubha artist with over four decades of practice in sacred Newar painting. The workshop focuses on divine facial composition, anatomy, proportion and expression and is designed for intermediate students.

Event Details:
Date: March 20 onwards 
Time: 5-7 PM
Location: Kathmandu Art Gallery
Entry: Paid

Tokyo Before/After

The week marks the final chance to catch the ongoing photography exhibition that captures Tokyo before the second world war and post-2010. Featuring a selection of 80 works, the exhibition presents photographs of Tokyo captured in 1930-40s and those taken after 2010. Through this juxtaposition, the exhibition portrays Japan’s capital as an evolving, and living organism.

Event details:
Date: February 28-March 18
Time: 9:30-4:30 PM  
Location: Nepal Art Council, Babarmahal
Entry: Free

Watching Out/Seeing In

Curated by Amrit Karki featuring works of multiple artists, the exhibition offers glimpses of artists reflecting both inwardly and outwardly at once where personal finds political, wit evolves into wisdom, ordinary moments becomes mythic. The exhibition invites viewers to pause, observe and discover something new. It is another exhibition entering its final week of viewing. 

Event details:
Date: February 28-March 28 (Mondays closed)
Time: 11 AM-6 PM (Tuesday-Thursday), 11 AM-7 PM (Friday-Sunday)
Location: Takpa Gallery, Lazimpat
Entry: Free

Afterhours Rock

Two of the most renowned rock bands of Nepal, Albatross, and Pehenlo Batti Muni are performing live this weekend at Club NOVA, Thamel. 

Event details:
Date: March 21
Time: 7:00 PM onwards
Location: Club NOVA, Thamel
Entry: Paid

Hami Ek Hau Concert

If you’re around Kirtipur this weekend, be prepared to experience a musical evening of Hami Ek Hau concert featuring Sabin Rai and the Pharaoh at Sasa Twa of Kirtipur. 

Event details:
Date: March 21
Time: 12 PM onwards 
Location: Sasa Twa, Kirtipur 
Entry: Paid