THE WORKMEN ARE ADMIRING THE TOOLS

The Damaichhap community of Netrawati Dabjong RM has changed its identity now. The 19 HHs Damais were among the poorest in this particular areas previously, but now, they have tremendously changed their lives. The transformation has become possible with the Musical Instruments, guidance and other basic inputs they received through Promotion of Livelihood and Improvement of Sanitation Facilities in Netrawati Dabjong project. The project was initiated by ICDC Nepal with the financial support from Nepal Inzlingen and Netrawati Dabjong RM. The Damai are the traditional Panche Baja instrument player by birth in the project areas. Since the Musical instruments (Panche Baja) are played in various ceremonies, especially in holy ceremonies and in the important events, there has been high demand of professional Panche Baja players in Nepal.  In the project areas, the members of the Damai community have been playing the instruments, but they did not have good instruments. To foster the sustainable income and professionalism among the Damais, the project has formed a 7-member Bindukeshar Panchaibaja Management Committee covering total 19 HHs Damais and provided them the instruments; Narsiha (2), Damaha (2), Sanai (2), Dholaki (1), Temko. (1 pcs), Jhyali (1 pcs), uniform (12 pcs).

The Bindukeshar Panchebaja group has become one of the famous musical instrument players in this areas in short time.  In each event or ceremony, 11 members are required to play the Panche Baja. The 7-member committee prepares the schedule to accompany each member rotating the members turn. The group now charges an average of NPR 35000 for playing Panche Baja in each event. So far the committee has earned NPR 180000 by playing the Panche Baja. Before they had the old and insufficient instruments, the members of the Damai community could hardly generate NPR 50000 to 60000 in a year.  The committee saves NPR 500, in each of the events as maintenance fund. The members divide the income equally among contributors. Each of the members of this community is happy now. They have been able to afford nutritious food, proper uniform and stationeries for their children and also able to pay for basic health services.