Salyan women learn Naumati, Panche Baja

By Our Correspondent,Sharadha (Salyan), Jan. 19: Indigenous Naumati and Panche Baja are on the verge of extinction due to the growing influence of modern entertainment, digital music, and DJ culture.

 In the past, these traditional musical instruments were considered an essential part of village life, including weddings, festivals, rituals, and cultural ceremonies.

 In recent times, however, their use has become limited to only a few places.

The preservation of indigenous folk arts has become increasingly challenging due to the lack of intergenerational transfer, inadequate recognition, and the absence of assured income for artists.

 Considering such a situation, there is a growing realisation that local governments must play a proactive role in the protection of native art and culture.

Planned initiatives at the local level are considered crucial to ensure continuity of skill transfer and to foster a sense of cultural ownership among the younger generation.

In this context, Triveni Rural Municipality of Salyan has organised training on Naumati and Panche Baja with the dual objective of preserving endangered indigenous folk arts and cultures and empowering women to become self-reliant. 

The 10-day training, targeted at mothers’ groups within the rural municipality, was attended by 17 women from two groups.

According to Chief Administrative Officer Khum Bahadur KC, through the training, participating women gained practical skills in playing traditional Naumati and Panche Baja.

He said that while only one group received training last year, participation was expanded this year to include two groups.

 Triveni Rural Municipality has been giving priority to indigenous culture for years by promoting it through folk art performance conferences, municipal-level ceremonies, and various programmes.

 This year’s training was organised by the rural municipality in coordination with Development Society Nepal, with trainers from Sindhuli Kalaghar providing the instruction.

Participants shared that the training has contributed to the preservation of indigenous musical instruments and folk arts that were at risk due to a lack of intergenerational transfer, while also placing women at the forefront of a cultural movement.

Rural Municipality Chair Khim Bahadur Rawat said that art and culture are the foundations that guide society in the right direction, and emphasised that the municipality prioritises programmes linked to skills and income generation. 

The municipality noted that the training was conducted with the aim of strengthening women’s roles while preserving traditional instruments and cultures that are gradually disappearing.

Kamala Chand, Chairperson of the Shubhalaxmi Health Mothers’ Group and a participant in the training, said that this year’s programme was more organised and easier compared to last year.

The Naumati, Panche Baja, Sorathi, and Paiseri dance groups of Triveni Rural Municipality also gave a cultural performance at the ongoing Second Provincial Festival in Srinagar.