Brahman, Chhetri women learning panche baja

The women from Brahman and Chhetri communities of Beni municipality-4 have shown keen interest in learning panche baja, a set of five traditional musical instruments. Their interest to learn playing the traditional musical instruments has broken the stereotype.

When they were approached during the learning, Hira Poudel, team leader, was found blowing sahanai and her friend playing the dhol. Sahanai is the most important among the five instruments. The women, after finishing family chores, gather in a ground to learn the musical instruments as damaha, narsingha, and karnial everyday.

Poudel informed that those traveling along Beni-Darbang roadway are surprised to see the women playing musical instruments. They stop vehicles and watch the women’s performance, she added.

According to her, it was uncomfortable for them to do the male folks’ work in the beginning, but gradually got accustomed. "I took leadership to launch the campaign to transfer the traditional musical skills," she shared.

Another Shanti Poudel, who plays jhyali, said she took part in the training to make herself and friends able to play musical instruments.

Prakash Pariyar has been providing training to the women.

The traditional musical instruments are played on various occasions as welcome ceremony and marriage.