Ganesh Neupane is a man with many hats. As a tourism entrepreneur and founder of Monterosa Treks, Neupane has been involved in the tourism sector for the past three decades, having started out in 1981 as a trekking guide. But Neupane’s interests go well beyond just travelling and hospitality. An established folk singer credited for being a crusader for folk tunes originating from the eastern reaches of the country, Neupane has eight folk albums to his name. The singer, who had been on hiatus for several years, is now slated to make a comeback with his new album, Dhankuta Dada Bazaar.

“Having been involved in the tourism industry for so long, I’ve had the opportunity and honour of being able to travel to many different places in the country,” Neupane said, in a conversation with the Post, “These travels, more so in the eastern parts of the country, have also been a great inspiration for my lyrics and songs. Everywhere I go, I talk to locals and learn about their musical traditions. These interactions then heavily influence my lyrics and bhakas.”

Neupane, who hails from Dhankuta, is popular for his use of traditional dialects still in use in remote settlements in the East. “When we talk about folk music, the landscape is usually dominated by bhakas from the western part of the country. But Nepal’s east has its own folk traditions and my life’s mission, if you will, has been to ensure that these traditions are preserved and on equal footing with other musical traditions of the country.”

Neupane, who is currently on a US tour—performing for folk music enthusiasts in different cities—will launch his new album upon his return next week. “As I travel around the US and mingle with the Diaspora, it is clear that even though they are living abroad, they retain an affinity to their roots. I hope that this album will work towards ensuring that we continue to pay homage to those traditions that inform and shape who we are.”