Gandharvas Sustaining Their Livelihood Through Sarangi Music for 25 Years

Dharan, Sunsari, April 23 – Suwas Gandharva has spent 25 years playing the sarangi and singing melodiously. His companion, Sujan Gandharva, has also been singing along to the sweet rhythms of the sarangi for eight years. Every day, they perform together from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Shram Sanskriti Park in Dharan, blending sarangi and madal beats with song. One plays the madal while the other accompanies on the sarangi and sings, making this musical collaboration an integral part of their daily lives. Their melodious sarangi performances entertain park visitors and provide a source of livelihood as well. Spectators and tourists often offer financial support voluntarily, based on their appreciation.

Suwas Gandharva shared, “I have been involved in this profession since childhood, following my family tradition. My father raised us while playing the sarangi, and I have continued this legacy.” He added, “In the past, transportation was limited in the village, so we used to travel long distances to perform. Now, travel is easier.” He recounted his experience performing in all major cities across Nepal from east to west, as well as in Sikkim and Darjeeling in India. Most of their income comes from spontaneous contributions made by passersby and audiences during street and public space performances.

According to Suwas, he reached the battle rounds stage by participating in the ‘Voice of Nepal’ competition and also had the opportunity to perform on the ‘Indreni’ program. However, due to limited earnings from these appearances, he returned to earning a living by playing the sarangi. He has experience performing in various alleys in cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara. Sujan Gandharva, after working for a long time in Darjeeling, India, returned to his village and has sustained his livelihood playing the sarangi and singing for the past eight years. He continues this traditional craft with the intent to preserve it.

“Playing the sarangi and singing is the ancestral profession of the Gandharva community; it is our culture and identity,” Sujan said. “But nowadays, the new generation is turning towards other professions, putting this traditional art at risk.” He also noted that developments in modern technology and changing entertainment mediums present additional challenges in preserving the Gandharvas’ traditional occupation. Both musicians expressed hope to continue their craft as long as their health permits. The Gandharva caste, considered endangered in Nepal, primarily resides in districts including Bhojpur, Kaski, Tanahun, Lamjung, Gorkha, Chitwan, Baglung, Palpa, Dailekh, and Surkhet. Known as carriers of folk life, the Gandharva community has long protected, promoted, and developed Nepali folk music and theater. Their traditional musical instruments, the sarangi and madal, symbolize their cultural heritage. Today, Gandharvas are embracing folk singing as a sustainable profession and continuing their ancestral vocation.