Virginia-Based Nepali Singer, With 1,200+ Songs, Travels 7,000 Miles Multiple Times a Year for Folk Music

Ram Prasad Khanal, a Nepali folk singer based in Winchester, Virginia, travels over 7,000 miles multiple times a year to his birthplace, Nepal, to preserve its rich folk traditions. For Khanal, this pilgrimage is not just a trip back home—it’s a mission to safeguard and share the authentic essence of Nepali folk music with the world.

Known for his soulful voice and dedication to traditional melodies, Khanal has carved a unique path, blending his life in the United States with his deep-rooted love for Nepal’s heritage. His music stands out in an era where, as he observes, “Folk songs are increasingly filled with vulgarity.”

He believes in the power of refined expression, stating, “Folk love songs can be crafted in a civilized style, reflecting genuine emotions without losing their originality.” His commitment to this philosophy is evident in his work—free of coarseness and rich with the rustic charm of Nepal’s countryside.

Since moving to the United States in 2008 with an Extraordinary Ability Green Card as a singer, Khanal has remained steadfast in his craft. Over the years, he has recorded more than 1,200 songs, nearly 100 of which were composed after his relocation to the USA.

“Most of my songs are recorded in Nepal,” he explains, emphasizing the importance of grounding his work in the Nepali context. “It’s about showcasing the reality of our villages, our way of life—spreading that sense of belonging.”

In 2024 alone, Khanal released eight songs, each echoing themes of love, nostalgia, and rural simplicity. In 2025, he has already completed three tracks, with two more in the pipeline. He shares, “The soil of my homeland is my inspiration. Living abroad only deepens my love for my roots.” For Khanal, these journeys to Nepal—where he records amidst the landscapes that shaped him—bring a “different kind of joy.”

Beyond personal fulfillment, Khanal sees his music as a bridge for younger generations, especially those born abroad. “Children growing up overseas can’t imagine village life—water springs, pathways, the simplicity,” he says.

Through his songs, he hopes to spark curiosity about their heritage. “I want them to know how love existed in our grandparents’ time, to understand the circumstances of our ancestors. It inspires them to connect with Nepali art and culture.”

Khanal’s dedication extends beyond music. In April 2025, he plans to return to Nepal not only to release another song but also to contribute to a movie project. “I’ll be there for a month or two,” he says, outlining his packed schedule.

Looking back, Khanal recalls his output over the years: four songs in 2023 and a steady stream of creativity since settling in Virginia with his family of four. “Living abroad makes you realize the value of your culture, your art, and your identity even more,” he reflects. For him, the distance from Nepal has only intensified his resolve to stay connected.

“From Winchester to the hills of Nepal, his over 7,000-mile journey is a testament to the enduring power of music as a vessel for culture. With every note he sings, he weaves a thread between two worlds, ensuring that the soul of Nepali folk traditions resonates far beyond its borders,” said U.S.-based Nepali journalist Anil Adhikari.