Himal Hub / Amid growing concerns that Nepal’s traditional instrument, the sarangi, could fade away as younger generations show declining interest, a new initiative in Syangja is working to keep the heritage alive by teaching children how to play it.
A 10-day intergenerational skills transfer program, organized by the Gandaki Province Government’s Integrated Service Office in Syangja, is currently underway in Putalibazar Municipality–13, Lampata. Under the program, senior citizens are passing on their knowledge and musical skills to children, aiming to preserve cultural traditions by bridging the gap between generations.
Jeevika Pariyar, a Grade 7 student at Syangja Higher Secondary School, said she was delighted to learn the sarangi from elders during her school break. She shared that the experience has deepened her interest in Nepal’s traditional instruments.
Similarly, Susant Gandharva, a student of Tribhuvan Adarsha Secondary School, described the opportunity to learn the sarangi, an instrument closely tied to his community’s heritage and identity as a matter of pride. He also expressed his aspiration to pursue a future in music.
Like Jeevika and Sushant, around 20 children are taking part in the program, using their holidays to practice producing melodies from the sarangi. Instead of carrying schoolbooks, they are spending time developing musical skills and connecting with their cultural roots.
Jeevan Paudel, chief of the Integrated Service Office in Syangja, emphasized that the sarangi is an invaluable part of Nepal’s cultural heritage and must be preserved, promoted, and passed on to future generations. He added that learning the instrument helps nurture creativity, patience, concentration, and emotional growth in children.
Trainer Suryaman Gandharva said teaching the sarangi is not just about music, but also about safeguarding culture, identity, and values. He encouraged participants to continue practicing beyond the program.
Ward Chairperson Juddha Bahadur Thapa of Putalibazar–13 highlighted that such exchanges between elderly people and children help strengthen mutual respect, understanding, and social harmony.
During the program, participants are learning to play the sarangi in various traditional styles, including Karkha, Sawaai, Charitra, Chanchari, Mangal tunes, Barahmasa, and narrative songs. Organizers believe that initiatives like this can play a vital role in preserving endangered traditional instruments at the local level.
