Once in a while, comes along an event — where most of the good elements in life blend amicably to make it a great offering. The landscape, the culture, the ideology and the passion behind its genesis, and of course the music — the Kathmandu Jazz Festival or the Jazzmandu is one such event.

Founded in 2002 by Chhedup Bomzan and Navin Chettri, drummer and vocalist of Cadenza, the Jazzmandu has become one of the biggest music festivals to look forward to. “Summing it up in three words — ‘It’s a high’. It’s the biggest jazz party in the Himalayas,” says Samir Chettri, the media coordinator of the festival.

The festival held every year in Nepal, brings together artistes from across the world. “World class musicians and local bands coming together to perform on a common stage — that’s an experience in itself. But it’s also about the intention — everyone is keen on spreading and promoting the idea — a world of peace and compassion through the universal language of music,” says Samir.

The festival has always been a great platform for musicians and for cultural interaction. Over the years, this phenomenon has also helped in promoting the local Nepalese traditional musicians to a large extent. “Jazz is now a household name in Nepal. There are many schools, where jazz music is being taught to the youth. Traditional musicians have begun to include jazz elements in their repertoire. Visiting musicians are always excited about collaborating with local classical and folk musicians. Jazz at Patan is one such event that highlights the blend of music from the east and the west,” explains Samir.

There have always been free educational programmes, workshops and clinics for school kids, and this year too, the tradition continues. “Jazz for the Next Generation is a music competition which has been revived for the very purpose of encouraging and giving credit to an amazing crop of talented youngsters, who are given a platform to showcase their music,” he says.

Music for peace — this spirit has always been upheld through the festival, “Since peace has been the call of the hour, not in Nepal but around the world — we’ve always strived to achieve this through music.” Who’re the artistes to look forward to this year? “There are a few unique bands from across the world. We also have Window Seat from Mumbai, who’d be performing this year.”