Elections bring cheer to traditional musical instruments' players

Subhash Rajta

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Tribune News Service

Shimla, January 24

It was well past midnight and the temperature was hovering around zero degree. Nevertheless, every time a winner was announced for any BDC ward and Zila Parishad, the place would reverberate with musical notes emanating from the traditional musical instruments like dhol, nagara, karnal and shehnai. “Any celebration is incomplete without these instruments and the people playing them,” said a member of a victorious party, while dancing to their melodious tunes. For the record, playing of these instruments is a must at functions related to local deities, weddings and other celebrations in this part of the world.

Even though it was late in the night, the teams playing these instruments were not complaining either. For them, elections came as a blessing after the pandemic and its consequences. “We had a tough time during the lockdown and even after it. We hardly had any bookings. It was financially tough for us,” said Arun, a member of the local team. “Elections have been great for us. There’s so much demand that we have to say no to many. We are covering up some of our losses,” he added.

The situation, seems, equally good for the people into traditional musical instruments elsewhere too. “During elections, we are in high demand and it’s no different this time too,” said Master Leeladhar from Karsog. “We are not overcharging even when the demand is high. We have to see so many things,” he said.

Even as people are turning towards DJ systems and bands during celebrations like weddings, these people are still holding their ground. Amidst fears that this music would go silent sooner than later, its practitioners have no such fears. “We and our music are closely associated with our local deities. As long as deities are there, people have faith in them, we are not going anywhere,” said Ramesh Gandharv. “It’s in our blood and is passed on from generation to another,” he said.

But will the coming generation take up this profession? “That depends on people. If they continue to value it, there will always be someone playing these traditional instruments. If they stop giving it importance, then obviously you not find many willing to play them,” said Ramesh.

For now, the party is on…