By Phadindra Adhikari
Lekhnath, Oct. 12:
Kasto bazaar, kasta thiye gharharu
Chhin bharmai bagar bho saharharu
2083 saal bhadau 10 ko dinma
Khusi lagyo sabko harey eakai chinma
(What kind of markets, what kind of homes they were/ in the blink of an eye, towns turned into riverbanks/ on August 26, 2026, everyone’s happiness was swept away in an instant.)
Sambar Bahadur Gayak recited these lines from a karkha, a traditional narrative song, about the Bhotekoshi disaster in Pokhara on Sunday.
Before performing the seven-minute song, he said, “I had been preparing a song about the Bhotekoshi disaster, but today the Budhigandaki brought another tragedy.”
At ‘Gandharva Gunjan’, organised by the Pokhara Pragya Pratisthan, singer Januka Gayak crooned another song recounting the devastation caused by floods.
Bagima aayo Trishuli Ganga, dekhayo bagar, Sansar heri man bujhau maili rune kam nagara
(The Trishuli River came rushing, leaving behind a barren riverbed, look around the world and console yourself, maili do not weep.)
Januka was accompanied on the sarangi by her husband, Balram, who played the traditional string instrument. The song was originally composed by Jhalakman Gandharva.
A total of 83 Gandharva artistes from Pokhara and surrounding areas performed at the event. The Gandharvas, who traditionally tell stories of great earthquakes, the hardships of migrant workers, divine incarnations, twists and turns in folk tales, and the joys and sorrows of rural life through their songs, have become increasingly a few in number.
The older generation has passed away, while many younger people have taken up other occupations. As a result, Gandharvas who once moved from village to village, singing songs that could make people laugh or cry, are now rarely seen.
At the programme, singer Dilip Gayak performed ‘Yo Dajuko Mirmire Aankha’, a song composed by his father, Dhan Bahadur Gandharva.
Govinda Gayak presented a nirgun bhajan, a devotional song reflecting on the universal truth of death.
When a group from Batulechaur, Pokhara-16, performed the traditional ratyauli dance, audiences also enjoyed a sword dance led by Nar Bahadur Gayak.
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The programme also featured a discussion titled ‘Katha Sarangi’ on the history, culture and present circumstances of the Gandharva community.
Januka, who married Balram Gandharva after meeting him while he was performing, said she still visits villages and settlements in the morning to sing and returns home in the evening.
“We have seven children, and our livelihood and their education are supported by this profession,” she said.
Harka Gayak, a Gandharva community leader, said the younger generation was reluctant to continue the profession because of the discrimination faced by their ancestors as members of a Dalit community. “Gandharvas were unable to develop a sense of self-respect, and the younger generation has turned to other occupations,” he said.
Saraswati Pratiksha, Chancellor of the Pokhara Pragya Pratisthan, said the programme was organised to preserve and promote the Gandharva community’s indigenous art, culture and music.
She said the event provided a platform for Gandharva artistes ranging from 10-year-old emerging talents to experienced performers aged 70 to showcase their culture.
Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya said the sarangi and the Gandharva community were integral to Pokhara’s identity.
“What single thing best represents Pokhara? Is it Phewa Lake or Machhapuchhre, the World Peace Pagoda or its caves?” he asked. “When this question is raised, the sarangi emerged as the choice of both participants and experts.”
In recognition of this distinctive cultural identity, Pokhara Metropolitan City is also building a Sarangi Park in Deurali, Pokhara-18.
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