“Chandan Kumar Shrestha & Gandharva Sangeet Vidhyalaya: Preserving Classical Music in Ason, Kathmandu”

Introduction

Chandan Kumar Shrestha and his contributions to Nepali classical and folk

Chandan Kumar Shrestha is a distinguished figure in Nepal’s classical music scene, renowned for his expertise as a musician, vocalist, and educator. Based in Kathmandu, he is the owner of Gandharva Sangeet Vidyalaya, a prominent institution dedicated to teaching classical music.

As an educator, Shrestha has mentored numerous notable Nepali artists. Singer Shiva Pariyar, for instance, studied under Shrestha at Gandharva Sangeet Vidyalaya, where he received comprehensive training in classical music. Similarly, folk musician and researcher Jhuma Limbu regards Shrestha as her first guru, having released her debut album “Eh Saila” under his mentorship.

Beyond his teaching endeavors, Shrestha actively contributes to the preservation and promotion of classical music in Nepal. He has participated in programs such as “Swar Madhyama,” an online talk show that collaborates with the Nepal Academy of Music and Drama and Dhrupad Gurukul Kathmandu, highlighting his dedication to the classical music community.

Through his multifaceted roles as an educator, mentor, and performer, Chandan Kumar Shrestha has played a pivotal role in nurturing Nepal’s classical music heritage and inspiring a new generation of musicians.

Gandharva Sangeet Vidhyalaya as a hub for music education in Ason, Kathmandu

Gandharva Sangeet Vidyalaya, located in the heart of Ason, Kathmandu, stands as a vital hub for music education in Nepal. Founded by classical maestro Chandan Kumar Shrestha, this esteemed institution is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich traditions of Gandharva music alongside other forms of Nepali classical and folk music. Aspiring musicians from all backgrounds come here to learn under the guidance of expert mentors, ensuring that Nepal’s musical heritage continues to thrive.

The Gandharva tradition, historically carried by the Gandharva community, is an integral part of Nepal’s cultural identity. With the passage of time, many traditional art forms are at risk of fading, making institutions like Gandharva Sangeet Vidyalaya crucial in safeguarding these musical legacies. By nurturing young talents and keeping these traditions alive, the school plays an essential role in maintaining Nepal’s unique soundscape for future generations.

The Gandharva tradition, historically upheld by the Gandharva community, holds a special place in Nepal’s musical and cultural identity. These wandering minstrels once served as the messengers of society, using music to spread news, stories, and emotions through their unique style of singing. However, with the modernization of media and changing social dynamics, this art form faces the risk of fading into history. Gandharva Sangeet Vidyalaya plays a crucial role in reviving and sustaining this tradition by offering formal education in Gandharva music, folk styles, and Hindustani classical music, ensuring that the legacy continues for generations to come.

Beyond preservation, Gandharva Sangeet Vidyalaya serves as a platform for aspiring musicians to refine their skills under the mentorship of experienced maestros. The school provides training in Khayal, Bhajan, and various folk music traditions, making it a hub for diverse musical learning. Additionally, it promotes Nepali classical music on a global scale, connecting young artists with performance opportunities and collaborations.

As the musical heartbeat of Ason, Gandharva Sangeet Vidyalaya continues to shape Nepal’s musical landscape by bridging tradition with modernity. With efforts in documentation, performance, and education, it stands as a guardian of Nepal’s classical and folk music, inspiring new generations to embrace and carry forward the country’s rich musical traditions.

Who is Chandan Kumar Shrestha

Chandan Kumar Shrestha: A Guardian of Nepal’s Classical and Folk Music

His Background and Journey in Classical and Folk Music

Chandan Kumar Shrestha is a highly respected Nepali classical and folk musician, known for his mastery in both Hindustani classical music and traditional Gandharva music. Born with a deep passion for music, he pursued rigorous training in Khayal refining his skills under esteemed Gurus. Over the years, he has become a leading figure in Nepal’s classical music scene, preserving and promoting Nepal’s rich musical heritage through his performances, teachings, and research.

His Role in Promoting and Teaching Gandharva Music

As the founder of Gandharva Sangeet Vidyalaya, located in Ason, Kathmandu, Chandan Kumar Shrestha has played a pivotal role in preserving and reviving Nepal’s endangered Gandharva music tradition. The Gandharvas, historically known as wandering minstrels, were once the voice of Nepalese society, spreading news, emotions, and culture through their unique musical storytelling. Recognizing the need to safeguard this art form, Shrestha has dedicated his life to training students in both Gandharva and classical music, ensuring that these traditions are passed on to future generations. His institution has become a vital hub for music education, attracting aspiring musicians from across Nepal.

Recognitions and Contributions to Nepal’s Musical Heritage

Beyond teaching, Chandan Kumar Shrestha has been a key contributor to Nepal’s musical revival, actively participating in cultural preservation projects, music festivals, and academic research. His work has influenced many prominent Nepali musicians, including Shiva Pariyar and Jhuma Limbu, who trained under his guidance. He has also been a part of initiatives like Swar Madhyama, collaborating with institutions such as the Nepal Academy of Music and Drama and Dhrupad Gurukul Kathmandu, further strengthening Nepal’s classical music ecosystem.

Through his dedication to education, performance, and cultural preservation, Chandan Kumar Shrestha continues to shape Nepal’s classical and folk music landscape, ensuring that the melodies of the past remain alive for future generations.

Gandharva Sangeet Vidhyalaya: A Legacy of Music Education

Guru Chandan Kumar Shrestha is not just a name — he is a movement within Nepal’s musical landscape. With decades of dedication to both classical and folk traditions, his teachings have shaped the lives of hundreds of students across the country. His music journey, rooted in deep devotion to the art and cultural heritage of Nepal, reflects a unique blend of discipline, emotion, and authenticity.

At the heart of his philosophy lies a strong belief that music is not only performance — it is a path to inner development, cultural understanding, and national pride. His teaching goes beyond technique; it instills values, history, and the spiritual depth of Nepali music traditions, particularly the Gandharva legacy, which he has passionately worked to preserve.

Through Gandharva Sangeet Vidhyalaya, which he founded in the historic heart of Ason, Kathmandu, Guru Shrestha has created an inclusive and inspiring space for students from all walks of life. Whether teaching the complexities of raga-based classical singing, the soulful narratives of Nepali lok geet (folk songs), or training in traditional instruments like Sarangi, Tabla, and Harmonium, his approach remains deeply rooted in guru-shishya parampara — a system where the teacher imparts not only skills, but a way of life.

His teachings emphasize voice culture, purity of notes (swara), emotional expression (bhava), and understanding the context and philosophy behind every musical form. He encourages students to listen deeply, practice mindfully, and understand their role in keeping Nepal’s rich musical history alive for generations to come.

Many of his students have gone on to become performers, educators, and cultural ambassadors, but they all carry one thing in common — a sense of humility, purpose, and deep respect for the art, instilled by Guru Shrestha himself.

Through his tireless commitment, Guru Chandan Kumar Shrestha has not only taught music — he has nurtured a legacy. He stands as a living bridge between ancient traditions and modern musical expressions, and his work continues to uplift Nepali classical and folk music on a national and international stage.

Award and achievements

Chandan Kumar Shrestha is a distinguished figure in Nepali classical and folk music, celebrated for his significant contributions as a musician, educator, and composer. His unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Nepal’s rich musical heritage has earned him several accolades and led to notable publications.​

Awards and Achievements:

• 2016: Shrestha was honored with the Best Music Composition award in the Modern Song Competition organized by Radio Nepal. ​Wikipedia
• Recognition for Music Education: As the founder of Gandharva Sangeet Vidyalaya in Ason, Kathmandu, Shrestha has been instrumental in nurturing young talents and preserving traditional Nepali music. His efforts in music education have been widely acknowledged, though specific awards in this domain are not publicly documented.​

Publications:

• “Sangeet swaradhana”: Shrestha authored this comprehensive guide on classical music, aiming to educate aspiring musicians on the nuances of Nepali classical traditions.​

• “Gandharva Giti Mala”: This collection of traditional Gandharva songs compiled by Shrestha serves as a valuable resource for those interested in Nepal’s folk music heritage.​

Through these accolades and publications, Chandan Kumar Shrestha continues to play a pivotal role in the preservation and promotion of Nepal’s musical traditions.

Carrying the Legacy Forward: Guru Chandan Kumar Shrestha’s Enduring Impact

The influence of Guru Chandan Kumar Shrestha goes far beyond the four walls of a classroom. His presence in Nepal’s musical community has fostered a culture of respect for tradition, innovation in pedagogy, and renewed interest among the youth. At a time when classical and folk music were struggling to capture the attention of younger generations, his approach—rooted in authenticity yet open to evolving mediums—revived a sense of pride in Nepal’s musical identity.

Under his guidance, Gandharva Sangeet Vidhyalaya has become a nurturing ground for talent, offering not just training but mentorship. Students are not only taught how to sing or play an instrument—they are encouraged to understand the stories, rituals, and meanings behind the art they perform. This holistic approach ensures that learners grow into cultural custodians, not just musicians.

His special focus on reviving and sustaining the Gandharva musical tradition—a rich heritage of storytelling and melody passed down through generations—has preserved endangered forms of music that would otherwise be lost. Guru Shrestha’s own performances often blend emotion, narrative, and technique, offering a living example of the depth and grace Nepali music holds.

In recent years, many of his students have begun to teach, perform, and even lead musical initiatives across Nepal and abroad, proving that his influence is multi-generational and far-reaching. Whether it is in rural villages or urban stages, the sound of his teachings echoes wherever Nepali music is celebrated.

Guru Chandan Kumar Shrestha’s legacy is not just in what he teaches, but how he uplifts others through music. His humility, devotion, and vision continue to inspire a renaissance in traditional music education in Nepal. As Nepal navigates the currents of modernity, his role ensures that the roots of its musical heritage remain strong, vibrant, and deeply respected.

 Chandan Kumar Shrestha’s Impact and Future Goals

Looking ahead, Guru Chandan Kumar Shrestha envisions expanding access to traditional music education across Nepal. His future goals include launching online learning platforms, organizing national workshops and music camps, and developing curriculum-based music programs in schools. He is also focused on archiving rare Gandharva compositions and promoting them through recordings, concerts, and collaborations with global artists.

He stands as one of Nepal’s most respected torchbearers of classical and folk music. Through decades of dedication as a performer, teacher, and mentor, his influence has become a vital force in Nepal’s cultural preservation and artistic growth. As the founder of Gandharva Sangeet Vidhyalaya in Ason, Kathmandu, he has created a nurturing space for aspiring musicians to engage with authentic Nepali music—whether it be classical ragas, traditional folk songs, or instrumental training in sarangi, tabla, and other native instruments.

His teaching philosophy emphasizes both technical mastery and emotional expression, ensuring that students don’t just learn music, but live it. Hundreds of learners, young and old, have benefited from his personalized and passionate approach, many of whom are now educators and performers themselves—extending his legacy into the next generation.

At the heart of his mission lies a deep belief: that Nepali music is a cultural treasure, and its survival depends on empowered educators and passionate learners. His ongoing contributions continue to bridge generations—ensuring that the soul of Nepal’s musical heritage not only survives but thrives in the years to come.

Conclusion: Honoring the Legacy of Chandan Kumar Shrestha and Gandharva Sangeet Vidhyalaya

Chandan Kumar Shrestha is more than just a classical singer—he is a cultural guardian, educator, and visionary who has played a vital role in shaping the future of traditional Nepali music. As the founder of Gandharva Sangeet Vidhyalaya in the historic heart of Ason, Kathmandu, he has created a powerful institution that continues to inspire, educate, and elevate generations of musicians.

The school serves not only as a hub for classical and folk music education in Nepal but also as a living archive of the Gandharva musical legacy. With a focus on vocal training, Sarangi, Tabla, and other traditional instruments, it connects youth with Nepal’s rich sonic heritage. Shrestha’s commitment to inclusive, affordable, and authentic music education has helped hundreds of students across the country build a strong foundation in the art of sound.

His influence extends far beyond teaching—through award-winning compositions, published works, and national recognition, Shrestha has elevated Nepali classical music on both national and community platforms. His vision for the future is one of preservation, innovation, and outreach—ensuring that Nepal’s ancient melodies continue to echo through modern generations.

As Nepal embraces the digital age, the efforts of individuals like Chandan Kumar Shrestha and institutions like Gandharva Sangeet Vidhyalaya are crucial in keeping our musical roots alive and thriving. Supporting such initiatives—whether by enrolling, attending performances, or spreading awareness—is a meaningful step toward safeguarding Nepal’s invaluable cultural heritage.