We are also known for playing the nayakhin baja, a traditional drum made with cow and goat

skins, paired with kay cymbals. However, this musical tradition is fading, weighed down by

stereotypes. As a child, I loved watching the baja group on their way to Pachali. I couldn’t resist

touching the baja – it always felt special to me. My uncle Uttam once bought me a madal, and I

played it freely, feeling a deep connection without fully understanding why. Although my parents

discouraged me from learning the nayakhin baja due to its association with a lower caste, my

love for playing it stayed strong. When I finally learned to play the nayakhin, I felt a profound

reconnection with my roots and culture. It wasn’t just about the joy of playing – it taught me

discipline and helped me embody the traditions of my community.