The preservation and promotion of classical Nepali folk music and instruments is often talked about, but few have made it a mission as has Bishan Tamang. With that mission in mind, Tamang, 35, hailing from Chhimkeshwori, Tanahun, started his own shop, Binu Music Centre, in Abukhaireni, some fifteen years ago. Binu Music Centre currently boasts a variety of folk instruments—guitars and sarangi, Narsingha and Damaha—for sale.

“When I started it fifteen years ago, I was focused more on conserving the instruments than I was on selling them. But since people, especially the youth, started thronging in the shop, willing to buy the products, I turned it into a business venture,” says Tamang.

Tamang not only makes the instruments himself but also provides training to the interested. Currently, a total of 15 young instrument-makers work at Tamang’s shop.

Tamang informs that he receives demands from all over the country and he has been exporting the materials to cities like Kathmandu, Chitwan, Hetauda, and Pokhara.

“The demand for the instruments especially during the time of festival is overwhelming. We have a hard time catering to all the demand. If there are enough raw materials, you can easily earn around 10 to 15 lakhs every year,” Tamang said.

Tamang informs that mainly youth club members, women’s group, school students and musicians frequent his shop. Tamang imports raw materials for the instruments from various parts of the country—wood from Kathmandu and Dhading and skins from rural villages in Tanahun and Chitwan.

“With the increase in popularity of traditional and folk songs and music over the last few years, the demand for the instruments is also on the rise,” said Tamang.

Tamang, who pays fifteen-thousand rupees as rent, earns around 30 to 35 thousands profit per month. Tamang said, “After having a stable and good income here, I gave up thinking about flying overseas. You need to work for 15 hours every day away from friends and family in abroad but here I am earning good income while living with my family.”

He said that if the rise of youth clubs, mahastovs and fairs continue in the current manner, instruments-making will emerge as a viable business here in Nepal.