Nepathya


Nepathya is a Nepalese folk rock band that was formed in the early 1990s. Nepathya was formed by Deepak Rana, Bhim Poon and Amrit Gurung while studying in Kathmandu, Nepal. The band has enjoyed both commercial and critical success. Nepathya are known for their contemporary songs with strong ties to indigenous music and lyrics using dialects from rural Nepal.
During their musical career, Nepathya has toured countries like US, Australia, Japan, Israel, Germany, Finland, India, Europe and many more.

Amrit Gurung

The only active founding member of the band is its lead vocalist and primary songwriter, Amrit Gurung. Gurung was born in 1968 and raised in the small village of Mulpani, near Pokhara. He claims his iconic glasses were given to him by one of his aunts, who was a follower of Mahatma Gandhi.
In 2010, Gurung returned to Mulpani, and currently inhabits a small farm there. Since 2020, he has recorded no music.

Nepathya at Wembley Arena

Nepathya became the first Nepalese band to perform at Wembley Arena, England on August 3, 2013. The concert was jointly presented by Parcha Productions and Subsonic Routes. Nepathya's Wembley Arena concert remains the largest performance by a Nepali band.

Members

  • Amrit Gurung
  • Dinesh Raj Regmi
  • Subin Shakya
  • Dhurba Lama
  • Niraj Gurung
  • Shanti Rayamajhi

    Albums

Nepathya has released nine albums to date.
  • Nepathya – 1991
  • Himal Chuchure – 1993
  • Min Pachas Ma – 1995
  • Shringar – 1997
  • Resham – 2001
  • Bhedako Oon Jasto – 2003
  • Ghatana – 2005
  • Mero Desh – 2009
  • Aina Jhyal – 2010

    Style and lyrical themes

Nepathya's early work was influenced by folk-pop music, but their sound became more rock-inspired over time. Their lyrics also shifted focus from peace and spirituality to Nepalese politics. The album Ghatana was released during the country's civil war as a call for peace in Nepal.

Notable Songs by Nepathya

Song titleAlbum / YearDescription / Notes
"Resham"Resham One of Nepathya’s all-time signature songs
"Taal Ko Pani"Bhedako Oon Jasto A staple at Nepali gatherings; filmed in Bhaktapur Durbar Square
"Bhedako Oon Jasto"Bhedako Oon Jasto Title track inspired by melody from central Nepal hills
"Sa Karnali"Bhedako Oon Jasto Fusion of deuda and jhyaure from Dolpa; video features Thinle Lhondup
"Aaganai Bhar"Nepathya First recorded song by the band; video released in 2017
"Jogale Huncha Bheta"Aina Jhyal Popular in Manakamana; speaks about life and love
"Yo Jindagani"Resham Motivational; video from "Nepathya for the Disabled" concert
"Siran Ma Photo Chha"Aina Jhyal Based on Selo rhythm; theme of separation due to labor migration
"Ghatana"Ghatana 24-minute song about the tragic 2004 Mainapokhari incident; a call for peace
"Mai Nache Cham Chamti"A collection / live performancesPopular live track often included in hit compilations