Myagdi: Women in Beni Municipality–4 of western Nepal’s Myagdi district are receiving training in traditional Panchai Baja music as part of an initiative to preserve cultural heritage while creating income-generating opportunities.

The programme, organised by the Shivalaya Community Learning Centre, has brought together representatives from local women’s and mothers’ groups. Training began on Wednesday and is scheduled to run for 45 days.

Organisers say the initiative responds to the absence of a local Panchai Baja group in the ward, which has forced families to hire musicians from outside the area for weddings, initiation ceremonies and other auspicious events.

“Panchai Baja is played at almost every major cultural ceremony, but our ward lacks a trained group,” said Bharat Prasad Sharma, chair of the learning centre. “This training aims to fill that gap and help women earn an income.”

Practical instruction is being provided by Panchai Baja trainers Prakash Pariyar and Sat Prasad Chhinal. Funding includes NPR 150,000 from Beni Municipality, recommended by the ward office, and NPR 120,000 from the Gandaki provincial government for skills development.

Panchai Baja traditionally includes instruments such as sahanai, dholaki, tyamko, damaha, jhyali and karnal.