With the onset of the comedy and satire festival ‘Gaijatra,’ the market is buzzing with related content, and comedic performances have started in full swing. In Kathmandu, two groups are entertaining audiences at the Pragya-Pratishthan in Kamaladi and the National Dance Hall in Jamal. The program, which features both seasoned and new artists, will run until August 26 (Bhadra 10).
Artists are using their performances to satirize the political, social, and economic issues that have persisted even after the establishment of democracy and republicanism in Nepal. This tradition aligns with the cultural essence of the Gaijatra festival, where satire has been an integral part of the celebration.
Shivashankar Rijal, popularly known by his stage name ‘Joginder,’ has been performing during Gaijatra every year since 2004 (2061 BS). He shared that the festival has become a significant event for him, saying, “Since I began my career in the arts, I have consistently participated in Gaijatra and delivered performances. Satirizing societal ills and raising awareness is both our duty and responsibility.”
This year, Rijal is performing at the National Dance Hall, alongside other well-known artists like Sitaram Kattel, Kunjana Ghimire, Surendra KC, and Raja Rajendra. However, prominent comedian Deepakraj Giri, who has been involved in filmmaking, will not be participating in any television series or Gaijatra skits this year. Similarly, Kedar Ghimire and Jeetu Nepal are also not associated with any group for this year’s festivities. Notably, Kiran KC, another celebrated comedian, has not brought any new performances to the festival.
Kiran KC, who recently participated in the ‘Maha Jatra’ event, entertaining the Nepali diaspora, revealed that he is preparing for a new show with the Maha Sanchar group during Tihar. He mentioned, “While two groups are currently entertaining audiences, Madan Krishna Shrestha, Hari Bansha Acharya, and I are not performing at the moment. However, we plan to bring our satirical acts to the audience through ‘Maha Jatra.'”
Reflecting on his past performances, KC recalled the time around 2003 (2060 BS) when he performed back-to-back at the International Conference Center and Pragya-Pratishthan. “Back then, I would finish one show and immediately rush to the next. The joy of seeing the audience laugh and the satisfaction we get from making them smile is indescribable. It’s heartening to see the younger generation continuing this tradition,” KC added.
Gaijatra, particularly celebrated by the Newar community, holds deep traditional, religious, and cultural significance. The festival, which this year falls on August 19 (Bhadra 4), is traditionally marked by humorous and satirical performances aimed at helping people forget their sorrows and grief from the past year.
