Men, women together playing Naumati Baja in Dhankuta

By Kokila Bhandari,Dhankuta, Apr. 28: Both men and women in Dhankuta district have started playing Naumati Baja with the aim of preserving the traditional musical instruments, which are related to the ancient history, art and culture of Nepal.

Musical instruments are gradually disappearing due to the lack of skilled people to play them. 

The locals of Namjag in Chhathar Jorpati Rural Municipality-4 have started playing them in every auspicious event held in the village in order to preserve them. 

By forming Naumati Baja Protection Committee, both men and women have started playing them in various festivals, fairs, weddings and other special functions held in the village.

Three groups of villagers have been formed for Naumati Baja protection.

 The members of the three groups have also received a 15-day training to play the nine types of instruments.

Women have also been given the responsibility to play the instruments. 

Locals are excited to see women play the instruments like men. 

More interesting is that the ‘Damai’ tribe, known as expert for playing Naumati Baja, does not live in that village.

 In their absence, people from other communities are playing the instruments. Breaking the tradition that only the Dalit community play such instruments, men and women of other castes have started playing them to preserve the instruments.

Like the residents of Namjangbesi, people of other areas also need to work for the preservation of such cultural heritage, said the locals. 

“Art has no boundaries, no caste, and no religion. In the same way, the local men and women, Brahmins, Chhetris, Magars, Gurungs, rich and poor have come together to save the art and culture without saying anything, said the locals.