KATHMANDU, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- To mark 100 years of music recording in Nepal and 25 years of commercialization of Nepali music through the establishment of Music Nepal, the Nepal Music Center (NMC) is hosting a four-day international folk music festival in Kathmandu from November 5, eKantipur.com reported on Friday.

    "International Folk Music Festival 2008" is the first of its kind in the country, which aims at serving as a melting pot of both international and national artistes to promote folk music and instruments that reflect the rich and vibrant cultural traits of different countries, reported the website.

    According to the report, five countries are participating in the program including Norway, India, Malawi, Palestine and South Africa who will star alongside Nepali artistes representing five development regions of the country.

    All the Nepali folk music groups performing in the festival are the winners of the auditions that took place in different parts of the country.

    The NMC is a non-profit organization and was established in 2006 with the vision of strengthening and stimulating musical atmosphere in Nepal by imparting formal music education and conducting music research.

    The program is being promoted by the Nepal Tourism Board.