BHAKTAPUR, Jan 10: A group of youths at Bholachhen, Bhaktapur were busy learning the tricks of traditional musical instrument dhime baja on Tuesday. As many as 16 youngsters between the ages of eight to 22 years are in the learning group.
These youths reach the learning ground at 6:00 pm and stay there till 9:00 pm. As they get their instruments ready with enthusiasm, the local group, Kuchuchhen Dafa Bhajan Tahacha, teaches the youths how to use dhime baja. The music classes are scheduled for a total of three months.
Enthusiastic approach to preserving and playing dhime
One can learn to play the instrument free of cost here and they are doing so to pass on the skills to the younger generation, according to President of Kuchuchhen Dafa Bhajan Tahacha, Krishna Bhakta Suwal.
One of the teachers Puspalal Sujkhu said, “When these youths complete their lessons, we will take them to various cultural programs to showcase their talent. This is expected to not only give them a platform to execute their learning but also help in conserving the age-old tradition and culture of playing dhime baja.”
Similarly, one of the students Banti Sujkhu said, “After learning to play this instrument, I would also be able to contribute in conserving our tradition which is our identity. We can play dhime baja during festivals such as gai jatra, dashain, tihar and New year, among others.”
