If the walls of Shivalaya could speak, they would still be vibrating from the beats of last Saturday. On November 22, 2025, the heart of Teku didn’t just host an event; it witnessed a pilgrimage of rhythm. With over 300+ attendees packing the venue, we gathered not just to listen, but to pay tribute to the heartbeat of Nepali music.
From the soulful strumming of the Eastern Band to the double-bass fury of metal, this event was a bridge between generations. But the true highlight? Honoring the giants upon whose shoulders today’s musicians stand.
The Legends: Lifetime Achievement Awards
The core of the evening was dedicated to gratitude. In a moment that brought the crowd to a hush, we honored four pillars of the Nepali drumming community with the Lifetime Achievement Award:
1. Raju Gurung
2. Hari Kulu
3. Sudarshan Sunam
4. Jitendra Sunam
To immortalize the moment, we had a special keepsake: the awardees signed a Drum’s Plate, creating a physical piece of history that carries the signatures of legends. It was a touching reminder of the legacy they have built over decades.
From Eastern Roots to Metal Fury: The Performances
The musical lineup was a masterclass in diversity, showcasing the evolution of drumming in Nepal.The Opening: The evening began with the grounding sounds of the Eastern Band, utilizing traditional Nepali instruments to set a spiritual and cultural tone.The New Wave: Throughout the event, the stage was taken over by a swarm of young, new drummers. Seeing the fire in the eyes of the next generation was proof that the future of Nepali rhythm is safe.The Mid-Show: A mesmerizing Tabla performance provided a classical interlude, bridging the gap between the folk opening and the modern acts.
The Grand Performance: As the night deepened, the energy skyrocketed. The Susan Pahadi Band delivered a high-voltage performance that got the crowd moving. Finally, the night closed with a thunderous set by Asish Sen, the powerhouse drummer from Antim Grahan, bringing the house down with metal precision.
An Immersive Experience: More Than Just Music
What set this event apart was the atmosphere. It wasn’t just a gig; it was a museum of sound.
The Wall of History: Attendees were treated to a walk-through history lesson. The walls were plastered with printed information detailing the history of drumming, allowing fans to read and learn while they mingled.
Visual Storytelling: Behind the Shivalaya, a projection mapped the evolution of drumming in Nepal, adding a visual narrative to the sonic experience.
Live Art: Perhaps the most talked-about feature (and honestly, the craziest part of the night) was the Live Art Painting. Watching a masterpiece come to life in sync with the live drumming was a feast for the senses.
A Gathering of Stars
The event was a “Who’s Who” of the Nepali music industry. Beyond the 300+ fans, we were graced by legendary figures including Abishek S. Mishra (ASM), Dev Lama, and Hari Kunwar, among many others. Seeing veterans supporting the event added a layer of prestige and community spirit that is rare to find.
Final Thoughts
As the lights dimmed in Teku, one thing was clear: Drums are not just instruments; they are the pulse of our culture. This event was a perfect blend of education, art, and celebration.
To Raju Gurung, Hari Kulu, Sudarshan Sunam, and Jitendra Sunam—thank you for the rhythm. To the young drummers—the stage is now yours.
Event Photos : https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TF4_mIddJCPeSMoYDCA0WDgV0OInwiAP?usp=sharing