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Auspicious
Music in a Changing Society
The Damai
Musicians of Nepal
Author: Carol Tingey
ISBN:81-7026-193-7
Size:26x18.5
Edition: H/B |
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About the book
Nepal, a country as diverse demographically as it is topographically, is
populated by over thirty culturally and linguistically distinct ethnic groups.
Damais occupy a unique place within this immense cultural diversity. The
Damai are thought to be an auspicious caste in Nepal who are professional
musicians while their supplementary caste occupation is tailoring. Panchai
baja is played exclusively by the Damai who also provide indispensable ritual
services. The uses of Panchai baja is diverse. It is a fundamental requirement
for all Hindu rites of passage such as wedding and the sacred thread investiture
ceremony for young, high?caste boys, vratabandha. The temple commitments
of Damai include providing music for the daily pujas, during blood sacrifices
and for other ritual acts on behalf of the presiding deity, and for ritual
processions of deities during festivals. This book aims at covering all
aspects of the Damai musicians, their musical instruments, their history
and an indepth & explicit study of their auspicious music of Nepal. |
