Bhaktaraj Gharana

His nature was unique, he was a very confident person! The nature of always trying to be happy alone! So it seems that his friends were also less. He had a great passion for music, love, faith and adoration for it! He made music life. He had the ability to sing with

'perfect' tunes. He rarely sang in compositions other than his own. As much as he sang, he sang in such a way that he mesmerized others with his own music and voice. That's why those songs are immortal/will remain immortal.

Around the year 2046 I also reached with him, to sing towards the border. Marichmansingh Shrestha was the prime minister at that time. The Prime Minister sent us to sing Nepali songs at every border. During the blockade, we were assigned to sing songs at the Nepal-India border. In the car I was in, Bhaktaraj was also in the same car - Amber Gurung, Prakash Gurung, Omvikram Bista, Sukmit Gurung were also there. I remember that tour with him very much. I remember those days when we walked on every border of Nepal singing Nepali songs. He is a star for the

music genre. Who and how gave him the title 'Bhajan Shiromani' is not known. However, that title is 'perfect' for him. In fact, he is the epitome of bhajan – a singer who sings with 'perfect' melody. His voice is very sweet.

I did not get to work with Bhaktaraj for a long time. He used to work in Radio Nepal. When he reached there, he kept meeting. He spoke very little. Sometimes he would say, 'Narayan Gopal, Deep Shrestha and I are the ones who play the harmonium and sing, who else sings?' We used to sing on the stage while playing the harmonium. We became friends when he was at Radio Nepal. I was working in Nepal Academy at that time. Bhaktaraj's greatest ability was that he sang with attention to the suras. That's the part of him I remember the most.

He sang many hymns. Those hymns are still catchy. Many bhajans are played on the radio, but listening to his bhajans is a joy. So I think the title 'Bhajan Shiromani' given to him is appropriate.

I am humming his songs - 'Jahan Chha Buddhaka Anon', 'Jati Chot Dyahou Deu Mayalu', 'Hajar Sapnanoor Love Comes Lager Aandee'. The characteristic of his songs is that he always has a melodious composition. Simplicity and virtuosity in music are his special features. We don't listen to everyone's songs, we listen to the ones we like to listen to. In that sense, my favorite singer/musician is – Bhaktaraj. Sometimes I sing his songs when I am with friends. Bhaktaraj's singing style is very different - his own style of singing. His singing has also started a family. Not everyone has a gharana, a gharana starts with those who present original vocals and compositions. At first that family sings, and then there are those who follow that style. Bhaktaraj has established his voice and music family.

His pronunciation was always clear. The singing was very unique, which many singers and composers need to learn from him. He had a unique voice. His family was built by continuing that unique voice. Singers can imitate his voice, but cannot become Bhaktaraja himself. Bhaktaraj was one. There is such an impression of his singing that everyone feels that he sings like him.

Ever since he couldn't sing, we haven't heard his sweet compositions and melodious songs. Since then, his music and voice have remained the same. If the nation had archived Nepali songs/music since then, how much music would still be there? After he was gone, the entire Bhaktaraja was shaken. Now no one can fulfill that lack. His contributions to

music cannot be matched by anyone. He practiced music day and night.

Even today, his hymns are played from morning till evening - a hymn that resonates, with clear words.

is his special skill of composing by choosing sweet notes, mixing them with his feelings and discoveries. That is the greatest discovery of his life. When he was in Radio Nepal, he would enter the studio as soon as he saw it empty, just to sing. He concentrates on

music! He is engrossed in music!