Expressing deep sorrow over the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa and the extensive loss of lives and property in Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan and other affected districts, celebrities and artists have begun suspending their entertainment programs in solidarity with the victims.
With people facing a severe crisis and the country going through a period of grief and uncertainty, various musical, comedy and entertainment events have been postponed or suspended for the time being.
Two major comedy shows scheduled to be held separately from Bhadra 12 on the occasion of Gai Jatra have also been suspended. The concerned cultural organizations issued a statement on Thursday announcing that the programs, which were scheduled to run from Bhadra 12 to 15, have been postponed in view of the current circumstances.
The ‘Gai Jatra 2083’ program, which was being organized by comedian Manoj Gajurel’s group at Pragya Bhawan in Kamaladi, Kathmandu, has also been postponed. More than a dozen artists were scheduled to participate in the two Gai Jatra comedy programs.
Similarly, the press conference scheduled for Thursday for the popular television comedy reality show ‘Comedy Champion’ has also been postponed.
Meanwhile, singer Rachana Rimal has contributed NPR 100,000 to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund for flood victims and has also suspended her scheduled musical performances for the time being. Rimal, who is currently in Australia for musical performances, was scheduled to perform in Sydney on Friday. However, citing the difficult situation facing the country, she announced that the performance had been suspended. She said further information regarding her upcoming programs would be announced later.
Likewise, the scheduled musical performances of singer Prakash Dutraj have also been suspended.
Grand Teej Celebration Cancelled Due to Flood Crisis
In addition, a major Teej Special Program, jointly organized by Pageant Nepal, Shobha Boutique Hotel and Niri Dance Academy, scheduled to be held on Bhadra 21, has also been cancelled for the time being. According to the organizers, the event had to be cancelled despite reaching the final stage of preparations due to the prevailing crisis in the country.
The grand Teej program, scheduled to be held at Kanzirawa College, was set to feature several prominent Nepali artists and a range of entertainment performances.
Humanitarian Support Must Come Before Entertainment: Event Management Association
The Event Management Association–Nepal has also appealed to artists, event organizers, technicians, businesses and everyone associated with the entertainment and event industry to come forward in support of citizens affected by the floods and contribute to rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The association has urged everyone to prioritize the protection of lives, rescue operations, relief and humanitarian assistance over entertainment activities during this difficult time. It has called upon its members, artists, technicians, event organizers and all stakeholders to contribute whatever resources, skills, labor and support they can to assist people affected by the disaster.
Expressing profound sorrow over the extensive loss of lives and property caused by the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli floods, the association has paid tribute to those who lost their lives and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, injured and missing persons.
The association has also urged the government and concerned authorities to take immediate and effective measures for the rescue, relief, medical treatment, food supplies, temporary shelter and rehabilitation of affected citizens.
In its appeal, the Event Management Association–Nepal has stated: “Let us stand united in times of disaster and come together for humanitarian support.” The association has called upon Nepalis living both within the country and abroad, as well as organizations, businesses, artists, social workers and all compassionate individuals, to demonstrate solidarity and humanity by supporting rescue and relief efforts.
The association emphasized that standing beside people in crisis and protecting their lives is the greatest humanitarian responsibility at this moment. It urged everyone to come forward with the spirit that entertainment can be postponed for some time, but the lives of people in distress cannot wait for help.
At a time when the entire nation is facing the pain and consequences of a devastating disaster, the decision by artists and the entertainment industry to suspend their programs and stand in solidarity with affected communities sends a strong and positive message of humanity, social responsibility and national unity.
