The lights dim at Massey Hall in Toronto, and the crowd erupts in cheers as Amrit Gurung, the lead singer of the iconic Nepali band Nepathya, takes the stage. For the Nepalese diaspora in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), this is more than just a concert—it’s a nostalgic journey back to their homeland. The event is billed as a celebration of Nepali culture and heritage, a rare opportunity to reconnect with their roots. But behind the scenes, questions linger: Is this truly about cultural preservation, or is it a carefully orchestrated business strategy? Worse yet, are these events a cover for more insidious activities, such as human smuggling? As the Nepalese community in Canada grows, so too do allegations that some entrepreneurs are exploiting cultural sentiment for profit, leaving many to wonder where the line between celebration and exploitation lies.

For Nepalese immigrants living thousands of miles from home, cultural events are more than just entertainment—they are a lifeline to their heritage. Whether it’s a concert by a beloved artist, a spiritual tour by a revered monk, or the premiere of a newly released Nepali movie, these events offer a sense of belonging in a foreign land. They provide a space where the Nepalese community can come together, share stories, and pass on traditions to the next generation. For many, attending these events is not just a choice but a duty—a way to ensure that their culture thrives even in the diaspora.

However, not all cultural events are created equal. Behind the scenes, some Nepalese entrepreneurs in Canada are turning these gatherings into lucrative business ventures. Event organizers often sponsor concerts, movie screenings, and spiritual tours, using them as platforms to promote their own businesses. Tickets are sold at premium prices, food and merchandise are marketed aggressively, and sponsorships are secured from local businesses. While these events do provide a taste of home, they are also carefully designed to maximize profits. For some organizers, cultural preservation is not the primary goal—it’s a means to an end.

The Nepathya concert at Massey Hall is a prime example of this duality. Promoted as a celebration of Nepali music and culture, the event was marketed as Nepathya’s last international tour, with organizers claiming that lead singer Amrit Gurung was retiring. This narrative tugged at the heartstrings of the community, drawing large crowds and generating significant revenue. Respected figures like Dr. Kunjar Sharma were requested to write glowing reviews, lending credibility to the event. Community members eagerly shared their best wishes for the success of the Nepathya Concert on social media, expressing their gratitude to the organizers to be the part of what seemed like a historic event.

But the story didn’t end there. This year, Nepathya is busy on giving a series of performances in Australia, contradicting the organizers’ claims about the band’s retirement. This has left many attendees feeling misled. When I raised concerns about the organizers’ tactics at a small gathering, I was met with resistance. One friend, whose acquaintance was involved in organizing the event, dismissed my criticism, highlighting the complex web of personal and professional relationships that often shield these practices from scrutiny.

Beyond the exploitation of cultural sentiment, there are darker allegations at play. Some community members claim that these events are used as a cover for human smuggling. According to these allegations, organizers bring individuals to Canada under the guise of being part of an artist’s entourage. Once in the country, these individuals allegedly overstay their visas and apply for refugee status, with the help of legal practitioners who profit from the process. Well-established community members and board directors of Nepalese organizations are often used to promote these events, lending an air of legitimacy to what may be illicit activities.

One such case involved the Nepalese Community Network of Canada (NCNC), an organization that found itself embroiled in controversy over its alleged association with a fraudulent Filmfare Awards event. The organizers of the event approached the then-General Secretary of NCNC, Bhumi Ghimire, an innocent individual who was unaware of their hidden motives. They requested him to send an email about the event to the broader community, which he did in good faith. However, when the event was later exposed as a potential front for illegal activities, the General Secretary became a scapegoat.

Santa Rajbhandari, a well-known figure in the Nepalese community and then-President of NCNC, who has hosted artists from Nepal in his home, has raised serious concerns about these practices. In a Facebook Post dated July 9, 2024, Rajbhandari warned against the exploitation of cultural programs for personal gain. He accused some Nepalese individuals in Canada of not holding regular jobs and instead relying on organizing cultural events to make a living. According to him, these individuals raise large sums of money from community members under the guise of promoting Nepalese culture, while their true intentions are far more self-serving.

However, Rajbhandari himself is not immune to criticism. Community members have expressed skepticism about his motives. His role in hosting artists and organizing events has led some to question whether he is truly acting in the community’s best interests or if he, too, is benefiting from these activities. At a recent community program, Rajbhandari’s comments about others being involved in bringing artists and raising money were met with laughter and disbelief, highlighting the lack of trust in his claims.

Adding to the controversy is Hari Siwakoti, another prominent figure in the community. Siwakoti has been vocal in defending the organization of events like the Filmfare Awards, which have been criticized for their alleged ties to human smuggling and vested interests. On his Facebook wall, Siwakoti has dismissed critics, claiming that those who raise concerns are simply jealous. He has boldly stated that he and his group will continue to organize such events, regardless of the backlash.

However, many community members view these Filmfare Awards as anything but genuine. They argue that the events are primarily motivated by financial gain and serve as a cover for illegal activities, including human smuggling. The lack of transparency and the involvement of individuals with questionable motives have further eroded trust in these events.

The Nepalese community in Canada is deeply divided along political and ethnic lines, and these divisions often exacerbate the controversies surrounding cultural events. When allegations of illegal activities surface, groups affiliated to different political parties and their sister organizations back home and ethnic groups frequently engage in mudslinging to deflect blame and protect their own interests. Similarly, people from different ethnic groups blame one another, using these allegations as a way to save face and avoid accountability.

This politicization of the issue not only deepens existing divisions but also hinders efforts to address the root causes of the problem. Instead of working together to find solutions, community members often resort to finger-pointing and infighting, further eroding trust and cohesion within the diaspora.

The controversy doesn’t end with Nepathya. Earlier this year, organizers attempted to bring Ani Choying Dolma, a renowned Nepali artist, to Canada for a musical/spiritual tour. The event was aggressively promoted, with organizers urging community members and artists in Nepal to spread the word. However, the tour was eventually canceled, leaving many to wonder about the true motives behind it.

Now, the focus has shifted to an upcoming concert by Deep Shrestha, a beloved Nepali singer. The event has already sparked debate, with ticket prices set at $30.00 in Calgary and $100.00 in Toronto—a disparity that organizers attribute to the inclusion of food in the latter. One of my Facebook friends, Hari Adhikari, posted two Deep Shrestha program tickets, one for Calgary and another for Mississauga on February 14, 2025 and asked why the ticket price was so much different in these two locations. And my another Facebook friend, Nabin Yakthungbaa, replied to him to ask those people who are involved in this business. Critics argue that these high prices are exploitative, particularly for a community that already faces financial pressures. The aggressive promotion of the event, coupled with the lack of transparency about its purpose, has only fueled suspicions.

Another common tactic is the screening of newly released Nepali movies, which takes place almost every weekend in Canada. Organizers often frame these screenings as a way to support the Nepali film industry and preserve cultural heritage. However, the high-ticket prices and emotional appeals to attend with entire families suggest a different motive. Many community members feel pressured to participate, fearing that they will be seen as disloyal to their culture if they don’t. This emotional blackmail, coupled with the financial burden of attending these events, has left many feeling exploited.

The growing skepticism within the Nepalese community is hard to ignore. On social media, individuals like Punya Sagar Marahatta have openly criticized these practices, accusing organizers of human smuggling and the creation of fake refugee claims. He wrote a Facebook Post on February 11, 2025 on Fake Refugees. Punya Sagar also touches on the exploitation of Nepali artists who are brought to countries like Canada under the guise of cultural exchange or humanitarian aid. He compares these artists to moths that are drawn to the light, suggesting that they may be unaware of the larger schemes at play. He expresses concern that these artists, who have earned their reputations through hard work and talent, could be tarnished by association with such exploitative practices. He calls on their well-wishers to warn them about these dangers. His post concludes with a hopeful note, as Punya Sagar mentions the arrival of respected Nepali artists like Promod Kharel, Deep Shrestha, and Suman Karki in Canada. He expresses a cautious optimism that these artists will not fall victim to the same exploitation. This serves as a call for greater awareness and responsibility among both the artists and their supporters, urging them to remain vigilant against the manipulation of sentiment for personal or financial gain. 

Punya Sagar’s piece is a powerful critique of the exploitation of sentiment, particularly in the context of humanitarian aid and cultural exchange. By highlighting the dangers of manipulation, complicity, and cultural exploitation, he calls for greater awareness, responsibility, and vigilance. His writing serves as a reminder that noble sentiments, if not carefully guarded, can be twisted for personal or financial gain, and that it is the responsibility of all—artists, supporters, and society at large—to resist such exploitation.

As the Nepalese community in Canada continues to grow, so too must its commitment to ethical entrepreneurship. Organizers of cultural events must be transparent about their motives and financial practices, ensuring that profits are reinvested into the community rather than used for personal gain. Non-profit organizations should play a greater role in organizing these events, offering free or low-cost options to make them accessible to all.

Community members, too, have a role to play. By critically evaluating the intentions behind these events and holding organizers accountable, they can ensure that cultural celebrations remain true to their purpose. Only then can the Nepalese diaspora in Canada truly thrive, preserving its heritage without falling victim to exploitation.

The Nepalese community in Canada stands at a crossroads. While cultural events offer a vital connection to their heritage, they also present opportunities for exploitation. By addressing these challenges head-on, the community can ensure that its celebrations remain meaningful and transparent. The road ahead may be difficult, but with greater accountability and a commitment to ethical practices, the Nepalese diaspora can continue to honor its culture while building a brighter future for generations to come. (Note: Please note that this article is based on research. Its intention is not to tarnish the image of an individual or an organization. There are many issues in Nepalese Canadian community that need to be discussed in order to correct and move forward being united, and it is one such attempt. It is A BEGINNING OF A CONVERSATION, NOT THE END. Your comments/feedback on the content of the discussion are always welcome!)