A Harmony of Words, Melody, and Emotions: ‘Tea with Poetry’ Concert

Following a summary review of the news, the ‘Tea with Poetry’ event, regularly organized by Dhankuta FM, continues to engage audiences. In the Friday program, poets Uttam Tumsaa and DR Phuyal presented around a dozen poems, while singer Tejendra Gandharv performed several songs. The concept of ‘Tea with Poetry’ originated from a gathering of literature enthusiasts in Magh 2081 (January/February 2025) and has been held every Friday regularly since Falgun 2, 2081 (mid-February 2025). The event took place on the 5th of Baishakh at a multipurpose school courtyard in Dhankuta.
The sweet strains of the sarangi filled the atmosphere, complementing the words delivered on stage that resonated directly with the audience’s hearts. The poets occasionally added color by playing the damaha drum or spiritedly swaying on stage. The audience responded, at times moved emotionally and at others joyfully swaying to the rhythm. Although the scene could be mistaken for a theatrical performance at first glance, it was in fact a poetry concert. The ‘Tea with Poetry’ concert held on Friday afternoon presented a charming and enchanting spectacle, blending literature and music and introducing a fresh flavor to Dhankuta’s cultural scene.
The event exuded warmth beyond simple formalities; participants were not just spectators but travelers sharing a journey of words, melody, and emotion. When poets appeared on stage, the atmosphere turned serious, unveiling themes of love, sorrow, society, and the many facets of life through their verses. The rhythmic clapping after each piece made clear how deeply the words had touched the listeners’ hearts. Meanwhile, the melodies added new dimensions to the ambiance. During this session, poets Uttam Tumsaa and DR Phuyal recited approximately a dozen poems, and singer Tejendra Gandharv performed over half a dozen songs. The fusion of music and literature not only provided entertainment but also strengthened emotional bonds.
This edition marked the 55th installment of the ‘Tea with Poetry’ concert series, organized by Radio Dhankuta FM 106.2 MHz. Vidur Khawas, chairman of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Dhankuta, shared that the program offered a mix of poems expressing anger, grief, and affection. He noted that the ‘Tea with Poetry’ events are progressively nurturing a literary atmosphere in Dhankuta and becoming a hub for poets. The program sees active participation across all age groups—children, youth, and the elderly—who are eager both to present their own work and appreciate that of others. The concept, born from a literary gathering in Magh 2081, has been running consistently every Friday since Falgun 2 that year.
Despite diverse professions and busy schedules, this initiative serves as a unifying platform for literary artists, said Gopal Baraili, chairman of Radio Dhankuta FM. Participants are given opportunities to present poems, ghazals, couplets, or songs, with each session chaired by a different individual. Celebrating its 50th session on Falgun 1, the program also marked its first anniversary by distributing awards for achievements in various literary genres. Additionally, the best poems from each year are compiled and published in the ‘Tea with Poetry’ book series. Baraili also noted the establishment of an endowment fund to ensure the program’s sustainability.
Speaking at the concert, Koshi Province’s Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, Indramani Parajuli, emphasized literature’s transformative power in society and applauded the event for conveying a positive message to Dhankuta and the country. Minister Parajuli also pledged a contribution of NPR 10,000 to the ‘Tea with Poetry’ endowment fund.