Fifty-three-year-old Ramji Gandarva plays and sells sarangis around Thamel area. He started selling sarangis since the age of 13. Originally from Tanahun, Ramji is currently living in Nepaltaar with his family of seven. His family comprises of his wife, two sons, a daughter, daughter-in-law and a granddaughter. He learned to play Sarangi from his forefathers as they were all traditional musicians. He has also passed the skills onto his sons because Ramji wants to keep the tradition alive. Sometimes, he is also invited to play the instrument at local hotels in Thamel. The sarangis that he sells cost between from Rs 4,000 to 25,000. Ramji says “We should do our best to save our culture and tradition. Though I earn meager amount from selling sarangis, the main aim is to keep the tradition alive.”
Spreading Happiness with a Sarangi
