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Kurseong, Aug 18: Within the Gorkhas is found one community called the Damai, known for their dexterity in playing the Naumati Baja - a collection of nine musical instruments - a cherished asset of the Nepali culture.

The nine musical instruments consist of three pairs of senhai, narsima and dahama and one each of dolaki, jhaki and tamco. The Damai community is concerned that the Naumati Baja can hardly be seen today, and the players of the instruments are rarer still. Experts of the instruments say that at least 36 ragas can be played on it, even though some players exist, those who can play all the ragas can hardly be found.

In the past, the instruments were played in each and every festival but now people are rarely interested in enjoying the pleasures of the divine music of the Naumati Baja. Similar to all traditional Hindu festivals and weddings the playing of the instrument was thought to be auspicious and a good omen.

The Damai community intends to train the younger generation to increase the popularity of the instrument, and hope that the ravages of time will not erase another cherished asset of their tradition and culture.