Halla Chalecha
by Raju Lama
"Halla Chalechha" is a classic Nepali pop-folk song by the legendary Raju Lama and his band, Mongolian Heart, featured in their 2009 album Mongolian Heart, Vol. 5. Written and composed by Lama himself, the song addresses the common social experience of migrant workers facing rumors about their lives abroad. The lyrics describe a man returning home to clear up false reports that he had permanently settled in a foreign land and started a new family, pleading with his loved one not to lose faith despite the "world of rumors" (hallai hallako sansara).
Musically, the track is celebrated for its blend of traditional folk sentiments with modern pop-rock elements, a signature style that helped Raju Lama revolutionize the Nepali music scene. Its upbeat yet emotionally resonant melody, combined with themes of nostalgia and devotion, has made it an evergreen hit that remains a staple at Nepali concerts and gatherings worldwide. The song’s enduring popularity is evidenced by its frequent covers and live performances, continuing to connect the Nepali diaspora with their cultural roots nearly two decades after its release.
हल्ला चलेछ, राजै, चर्चा चलेछ
हल्ला चलेछ, राजै, चर्चा चलेछ
ओ, मै बिदेश जाँदा
बिदेशैमा बसेछ भनेर
उतैतिर घरजम भो भनेर
हा-हा, हल्लै हल्लाको संसार
आउँदैछु म माया नमार
हा-हा, हल्लै हल्लाको संसार
आउँदैछु म माया नमार
कसरी म भुल्छु नि, लै-लै
कसरी म भुल्छु नि, लै-लै
तिम्रो त्यो मायालाई?
रोदिघरमा गाएको, लै-लै
लैबरि भाकालाई
ओ, दैब साक्षी छ
माया मेरो सच्चै चोखो छ
माया मेरो सच्चै चोखो छ
हा-हा, हल्लै हल्लाको संसार
आउँदैछु म माया नमार
हा-हा, हल्लै हल्लाको संसार
आउँदैछु म माया नमार
पर्खाइमा भिज्यो सिरानी
सम्झनीमा बित्यो सपनी
सुन-सुन साथी है संगी
यो गीत रच्दैछु
हो, सुन-सुन साथी है संगी
यो गीत रच्दैछु
झुटो बोले मरि जाउ, लै-लै
केहि दिन मै आउँदैछु
ओ, सम्हाल आफूलाई
कुरा काट्न देउ है काट्नेलाई
कुरा काट्न देउ है काट्नेलाई
हा-हा, हल्लै हल्लाको संसार
आउँदैछु म माया नमार
हा-हा, हल्लै हल्लाको संसार
आउँदैछु म माया नमार
हल्ला चलेछ, राजै, चर्चा चलेछ
हल्ला चलेछ, राजै, चर्चा चलेछ
