Project Sarangi Foundation, in collaboration with Surya Nepal as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, launched Surya Nepal Gatha – Sarangi ko Katha—a comprehensive project dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the traditional Nepali instrument, the sarangi. The project focuses on transmitting the rich cultural legacy of this stringed instrument to future generations by embedding it within community and school-based programs.
Why It Matters
Traditional Nepali music plays a vital role in shaping the nation’s cultural identity, yet modernization and changing musical preferences have pushed instruments like the sarangi to the margins. Most folk musicians come from indigenous or marginalized communities, and for them, traditional music is not just art—it is a livelihood. With fewer platforms, less exposure, and limited recognition, the tradition is at risk of being lost.
The Sarangi ko Katha project aims to address these challenges through a multi-pronged approach combining education, community engagement, and public performance.
Core Objectives
- Preserve Cultural Heritage: Sustain the tradition of sarangi playing and enhance its relevance for future generations.
- Skills Development: Equip students with practical knowledge of folk instruments through hands-on training.
- Community Engagement: Facilitate knowledge-sharing through workshops and collective performances.
- Innovation & Tradition: Integrate traditional sarangi with modern musical styles through curated events.
- Localized Cultural Impact: Focus on specific municipalities for deeper, more sustainable engagement.
2023 Highlights
In 2023, the project reached seven municipalities across Bagmati Province—Changunarayan, Dakshinkali, Madhyapur Thimi, Suryabinayak, Mahalaxmi, Lalitpur, and Kirtipur. Key components included:
- Training Program: A three-month Basic Sarangi Course was provided free of charge to students in government schools, with each school nominating 10 students. These sessions, conducted by experienced musicians, offered both practical skills and cultural context.
- School Workshops: One school in each municipality participated in interactive workshops that introduced students to the history and significance of Nepali folk instruments like the sarangi, basuri, and madal. These workshops sparked interest among youth and reinforced cultural pride.
- Public Event: A culminating event was held on December 16, 2023, at Patan Museum, featuring a collective performance by 70 sarangi students and a special appearance by Kutumba, a prominent Nepali folk-fusion band. The event celebrated the successful transmission of cultural knowledge and drew attention to the importance of preserving traditional music.
Building on the 2023 success, the initiative is expanding in 2025 to eight municipalities, adding Kathmandu to the existing seven, bringing the total projected engagement to 100 students across 10 schools.