The stage is set for the highly anticipated second edition of 'Jhapa Rock Star', a dynamic inter-school musical band competition that aims to celebrate Nepal's youth, culture, and musical heritage. Organised by Amrit Store Birtamod, the event will kick off with its first round of auditions on Shrawan 10 (July 26) in Birtamod.

Speaking at a press conference held in Birtamod today, organisers announced the official launch of preparations for this annual musical showdown, which targets students from Grades 5 to 12 across community and private schools throughout Jhapa.

A Platform for Young Talent

Amrit Paudel, the event's chief organiser, said the competition is not just about performance but also about preserving and promoting Nepal's rich musical identity. "We want to attract youth toward music and provide them with a stage where creativity meets cultural roots," Paudel stated.

According to Program Coordinator Sunita Tamang, each participating band must consist of at least five members, and inclusion of at least one traditional Nepali folk instrument is mandatory—an artistic requirement designed to highlight the nation's musical uniqueness.

Auditions, Rounds, and the Road to the Final

The competition will unfold in multiple phases. From the initial auditions, the top six bands will advance to the final round, where they'll deliver live performances before a panel of judges and an enthusiastic audience.

"This is more than a contest," Tamang added. "It's a cultural revival effort. We aim to move beyond music tracks and revive live band culture among the youth, while also creating a quality platform for student musicians to grow."

Reviving Culture Through Music

Beyond the glamour of the stage and sound, 'Jhapa Rock Star' carries a deeper mission: to embed cultural values within the younger generation. The organisers emphasised the competition's role in promoting the Nepali language, traditional instruments, folk rhythms, and the essence of local art.

With growing interest in global pop culture among young people, initiatives like this aim to level the playing field—offering a homegrown alternative that is both entertaining and educational.

As anticipation builds ahead of the first audition in Birtamod, students, schools, and music lovers across Jhapa are tuning in for what promises to be a celebration of talent, tradition, and transformation—live, loud, and local.