Kathmandu, June 21: National music festival was organised amid a special programme at Royal Nepal Academy today to mark the International Music Day, which is observed on June 21 throughout the world.

Various glimpses from classical, folks and modern music and songs were presented on the occasion.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Development Ramchandra Poudel, inaugurted the function by beating a pair of Jhyali (traditional Nepali musical instrument), said that music is an international language that breaks all kind of barriers in the world.

“Music, art and literature are the heritages of the country upon which existence of every nation depends,” Poudel added.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Tarini Datta Chataut said that efforts were underway to establish a Music Academy to further boost the traditional folk and modern music.

Harihar Sharma, General Manager of Sanskritik Sansthan (Culture Corporation) said that the Sansthan had been organising various cultural programmes for keeping alive the nation’s art, culture and music.

The International Music Day that was started from France in 1882 has been observed in Nepal from 1987 under the initiative of French Cultural Centre. The Day, which conveys the message of international goodwill and peace in the world, is being officially observed in Nepal since last year.