Organised by Nepal Academy of Music and Drama, the three-day long National Music and Dance Festival kicked off on Monday in Hetaunda, Makawanpur. The fest was inaugurated by the newly-elected mayor of Hetaunda Sub-Metropolis, Haribahadur Mahat.

The fest started off with a rally featuring traditional music from various communities.

The first day of the fest, on Monday, featured dance and musical performances by troupes representing Tharu, Maithali, Dhimal, Chepang, Gurung, Tamang, Newa and other indigenous communities; while the second day of the fest saw a discussion on classical music and other forms of music celebrated by various indigenous communities.

According to the coordinator of the event, Aashakaji Shrestha, the event will draw to a close by honouring artists from various genres. “The main goal of the fest is to draw light to the many shades of culture, which includes drama and music, which are celebrated by communities since time immemorial,” Shrestha said.

The fest, which features a total of 125 artists from around the country, will end on Wednesday.