Bishnu Gandharva’s journey with sarangi continues

By Ramesh Bishwokarma,Gulmi, Nov. 29: With a sarangi in his hands and myriad stories in his heart, Bishnu Gandharva, 42, has spent over two decades travelling through villages and towns, sharing tales of love, heartbreak, family separation and reunion through his melodies. 

Born in Argha, Sandhikharka Municipality-9 of Arghakhanchi district, Gandharva began his journey with sarangi at the age of 14. 

He said that due to the poor economic condition, social circumstances, and the responsibility of continuing the traditional profession compelled him to carry the sarangi and walk from village to village.

At a time when the traditional ‘gaine dai’ who once travelled from village to village singing songs nearly vanished, Gandharva has continued his ancestral profession while also earning his livelihood. 

The unseen streams of struggles flowing constantly inside him turn into songs, merging into his voice. For him, the sarangi is a tool to preserve Nepal’s unique identity, folk art, and living culture.

During his visit to Tamghas, Gulmi, he shared how he has sung people’s stories sitting on their porches, sometimes fueled by a cup of tea, many times with an empty stomach. 

He said he has reached various districts, including Arghakhanchi, Gulmi, Butwal, Kapilvastu, Pokhara, Rolpa, Dang, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Baglung, Parbat, Pyuthan, Palpa, and Nepalgunj.

He recalled that his songs made people cry and smile at the same time. From abandoned village houses to busy city streets, his sarangi carries one message: “Nepali folk culture is alive, it walks with us.” 

With each pull of the bow, the faces he meets daily, memories of families, pains of youths abroad, and unspoken voices of society flow into his songs. 

He said the songs he sings are not imagined stories; they are about the real suffering of the people. By the third generation, the number of people involved in the traditional Gandharva profession has been declining.

He fears that as younger generations turn toward jobs and technology, the melodies of the sarangi may fade away. Yet, artists like him continue to keep the tradition alive. In villages, during festivals, on street corners, or beside a tea stall, he still walks carrying culture along with the notes of his sarangi.

“We should not forget our identity; instead, we should carry it with us in forms of melodies, as I do," he said.

 “Culture cannot be preserved only by writing it in books; it must be kept alive in practice.” 

Many enjoy the sound of the sarangi, but few listen to the life story of the one who roams everywhere carrying it.

Battling the rush of daily life, family responsibilities, financial constraints, and harsh weather, he said he has dedicated most of his life to this profession and will continue preserving this folk tradition.