Shehnai Chaughada losing its charm; DJs and cassettes taking its place

Krishna Bhutada
@npnews24x7

Pune

Indian culture is known by its traditional form of art and music. When it comes to musical instruments, India has a variety including Shehnai, Chaughada, Nagada, Dhol, etc.

But, in today’s scenario traditional instruments of India are being replaced by modern world DJs. The old traditional instruments which have always been considered auspicious at functions are fading away slowly with time. Artists feel that DJs and cassette tapes have replaced them in almost all occasions.

Shenai Chaughada is one of the oldest forms of instruments played by Indian artists. These instruments are played at various events like Indian wedding ceremonies, Ganesh Festivals and Navratri Festival.

On a conversation with various traditional instrument players, they shared their views with NPnew24, this is what they said:

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Mahadev Tupe (55), who started his career at the age of 10 playing shehnai chaughada said, “This is our ancestral profession. Since the days of my great grandfather, this has been a profession. I am the 4th generation of my heredity in this profession of playing shehnai chaughada.”

He said, “Initially I played Tal Vadyam (Nagada) and then along with this, I also started playing shehnai. I and my team have also played in various programs like Navratri festival, Devotional programs, marriage functions and in welcoming ceremonies of ministers. Now when, DJs and cassettes are replacing all the instruments, yet there are people who are Shehnai music lovers and, still love listening to it. Now, I charge 3,000 Rs per hour for his program.”

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Uday Tupe (52), who is a professional Nagada player said, “Earlier the Nagada was made by leather which was heated by coal so Nagadas were hard to maintain. But, nowadays the Nagada is made by acrylic material which needs less frequent maintenance and is easy to use. But, I enjoy playing Nagada made of leather rather than acrylic material.”

“The Ganpati celebrations are incomplete without Shehnai Chaughada (nagada). I used to play Nagada non-stop for 10 hours during Ganpati festival”, he added.

Pravin Tupe (30), said, “I am the 5th generation in my family, playing shehnai chaughada. I learned playing both the Shehnai and Chaughada from my guru Pramod Gayakwad and his father Mahadev Tupe. People do enjoy live programs of Shehnai Chaughada more instead of cassette tapes. My son also started learning Shehnai Chaughada at his early age preparing to preserve our cultures and traditions.”

No matter, how modern Indian cultures become, but the old, traditional cultures of India should not fade away from the hearts of people. As, the coming generations should know about their ancestral history, and continue following their traditions at least to an extent!