Kathmandu, July 9 -- Performing at an award show comes with a unique blend of celebration, pressure and prestige. While concerts thrive on spontaneity and crowd energy, award ceremonies demand a different kind of stage presence.

Musicians Kuma Sagar, Asmita Adhikari and Sushant KC share their experiences from previous Radio Kantipur National Music Awards, reflecting on their preshow rituals, memorable moments, and what performing on such a platform means to them.

Kuma Sagar and his band begin every performance with a grounding exercise. "Before we go up on the stage of any show, we gather around for our regular ritual to recite a praise aloud for maa, which goes like 'bramhayeni mai ki jay' to boost each other up and leave every emotion...