Mustang youth learn traditional Syabro dance and Tungna music

Mustang. In Charang, located in Lho-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality-1 of Upper Mustang, training has been provided to the new generation in the traditional cultural dance Syabro and playing the Tungna musical instrument.

Under the program 'Intergenerational Transfer of Traditional Knowledge, Skills, and Experience from Senior Citizens', the new generation of Charang village in Lho-Ghekar Damodarkunda-1 has been trained in the traditional cultural dance Syabro and the Tungna musical instrument. The Integrated Service Office, Mustang, under the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, and Social Development, Youth and Sports Ministry of Gandaki Province Government, organized the intergenerational transfer of traditional knowledge, skills, and experience program on Monday. The Lho-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality coordinated the program.

Nirapati Darji, chief of the Integrated Service Office, informed that the program was organized with the objective of conserving, preserving, and promoting the local traditional dance Syabro and the Tungna musical instrument, which are on the verge of extinction. In the program, senior citizens from the Charang Maneperme Ama Samuha trained students from Charang Gumba School and Ani Gumba School in the art of dancing the traditional Syabro. Similarly, local senior citizen Taiange Gurung provided training in the traditional Tungna musical instrument.

Lopsang Chhomphel Bisht, Chairman of Lho-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality, mentioned that the Syabro dance and the traditional Tungna instrument, which have been cultural heritage for centuries, are the unique culture of Upper Mustang. He stated that this type of Syabro dance is performed during important festivals in Upper Mustang.

"Syabro and Tungna music are performed during festivals; this tradition has kept the unique art and culture of this region alive," said Chairman Bisht, adding, "In recent times, the new generation is migrating abroad, and even the youth in the villages are finding it difficult to preserve their culture by following modernity."

There is a tradition of performing the Syabro dance and playing the Tungna instrument during cultural festivals in Upper Mustang, including the Yartung festival, Teeji festival, and Dhajyang festival, which are celebrated annually.