Kathmandu this week with exhibitions, boutique festivals and more

The country is currently undergoing a demolition drive, with bulldozers tearing down illegally constructed structures and clearing encroached land throughout the country. many of which have developed along the riverbanks of urban areas.

While authorities argue the measures are necessary for urban planning and disaster risk reduction, the drives have also raised concerns about displacement and the need for long-term resettlement solutions of landless communities. 

The past week has largely revolved around this issue. Discussions continue, with hopes for more sustainable solutions ahead, one where no one has to live with the constant fear of eviction, and where people’s livelihoods and dignity are protected.

In the meantime, Kathmandu’s cultural life continues to move forward. Here’s what’s happening around the city this week:

Grassland Festival

The Grassland Festival returns for its 10th edition, once again bringing together a mix of national and international contemporary artists. This year’s lineup includes names like Hanumankind and Reble and more. Following its run of successful editions, the festival is back with its signature blend of electronic music, hip hop, indie performances, live art, and fashion showcases.

Event Details:
Date: May 2
Time: 12 PM Onwards
Location: Grand Norling Resort, Gokarneshwor
Entry: Paid

Comedy Jatra

This could be just the perfect Jatra if you’re in the mood for some laughs. 
Akash Gupta, India’s renowned comic artist is on his Nepal tour bringing his humorous take on everyday life. Gupta is also an actor and a theatre artist who gained popularity as the co-winner of the second season stand up comedy competition television series “Comicstaan” along with Samay Raina.
This week, experience stand up comedy as Comedy Jatra brings Akash Gupta and his show “Daily ka kaam hai”.

Event Details:
Date: May 2
Time: 4 PM Onwards
Location: Nepal Academy Hall, Kamladi
Entry: Paid

Satis Sthapit Blues Explosion

Known for their raw blues rock sound, Satis Sthapit Blues Explosion is set to perform live on 2nd May at XO Club. The band is led by Satis Sthapit, a highly respected figure in the rock scene in Nepal with over 35 years of musical experience. He also formed another rock band in the early 1990s, called “Newaz”.

Event Details:
Date: May 2
Time: 9: 00 PM onwards
Location: XO Thamel Club
Entry: Paid

Wonder Walk: Godavari

A 4 km walk through scenic landscape but there’s more. This experience also features a creative writing workshop guided by Alfa M. Shakya, a writer, researcher and podcaster who has written about Kathmandu art’s scene across multiple platforms. She’s also the creator of the art podcast, How’d You Create That?, which delves into the creative process behind artistic work. 
This Wonder Walk offers a chance to reflect, learn, create and connect over shared meals and conversations. The event is a collaboration between ‘How’d You Create That?’ and ‘Duluwa Outdoors’, a women led travel curator in Nepal. The event has limited seats available. 

Event Details:
Date: May 2
Time: As per notice
Location: Godawari 
Entry: Paid

Grand Rehearsal

A chaotic play that offers both disasters and comedy is always a delight to watch. Mandala Theatre Nepal presents “Grand Rehearsal,” a play about a theatre group attempting to stage a serious mystery murder that goes wrong from the very beginning with collapsing sets, props malfunction and endless misunderstandings. 

Written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, and adapted by Anup Neupane and Umesh Tamag, the play promises an entertaining comedic experience. 

Event Details:
Date: April 24 - May 17
Time: 5: 30 PM onwards (Monday closed), 1: 30 PM (On Saturdays)
Location: Mandala Theatre, Thapagaun
Entry: Paid

Khorlo

Khorlo is an exhibition showcasing artworks of four Tibetan diaspora artists from India. The word “khorlo” means wheel symbolising cyclical movement and reflecting the ever-evolving nature of identity. The exhibition explores how identities are shaped by religion, beliefs and cultural memory and how it continues to transform much like a wheel in a motion. 
Curated by Tenzing Gurmey, the exhibition has been running since 5th April and enters its final show this week. 

Event Details:
Date: April 5-May 2
Time: 11 AM - 6 PM (Monday closed)
Location: Tampa Gallery, Lazimpat
Entry: Free