Band members of Shrijanshil Mahila Sanstha, or the Self-Reliant Women’s Group, stand for a photograph before they prepare to play at a wedding in Kathmandu, Nepal, Wednesday, March 6, 2024. A women’s band is keeping the art of traditional instruments alive. The musicians play the naumati baja, Nepal’s nine traditional instruments. A women’s band is keeping the art of traditional instruments alive. The musicians play the naumati baja, Nepal’s nine traditional instruments.
Bal Kumari Bhusal, the leader of Shrijanshil Mahila Sanstha, or the Self-Reliant Women’s Group, briefs her band members about their upcoming wedding performance in Kathmandu, Nepal, Tuesday, March 5, 2024. “Previously, there were few women musicians, but now we’re growing in numbers on this journey. It’s not just about preserving our cultural heritage. It’s also about empowering women in today’s challenging world,” Bhusal said.
Despite increased representation in society and more progressive laws, women in Nepal continue to face gender discrimination in the patriarchal society.‘Our gods were locked in the basement.
Shanti Chaudhari, front center, helps a band member get ready to perform at a wedding in Kathmandu, Nepal, Wednesday, March 6, 2024. As a child, Chaudhari was scolded by her parents for standing too close to a group of musicians playing the naumati baja, Nepal’s nine traditional instruments, because they were identified with the Damai, part of the lowest caste that was formerly known as “untouchables.
A member of Shrijanshil Mahila Sanstha, or the Self-Reliant Women’s Group, plays a traditional instrument at a wedding in Kathmandu, Nepal, Wednesday, March 6, 2024. Once associated only with men from the Damai community, part of the lowest caste, nine women from varied castes have come together in this band to play the naumati baja, or nine traditional instruments.