Introduction

 The sarangi is a powerful symbol of tradition, storytelling, and cultural identity. Originally, it is an musical instrument of the Gandarbha community. In the current scenario, it has evolved from a village folk instrument to a key part of modern Nepali music. Here is all the information about the beloved and timeless part of Nepal’s musical heritage.

 What is Sarangi

The sarangi is a traditional Nepali music instrument. It is known for its deep, emotional and unique sound. It is made from a single block of wood and played with a bow. The sarangi has four main strings that are held vertically while played. Player used their left hand fingers to press the strings and their right hand to move the bow.

Sarangi is traditionally connected with the Gandarbha (or Gaine) community. They used it to tell stories, share news and preserve oral history through song.

Cultural importance of sarangi

Sarangi is a musical instrument, but it serves more than just music. It is a part of storytelling, a symbol of identity and a vital instrument of Nepal’s musical heritage. Here is a closer look at the cultural importance of the sarangi in Nepali music.

Medium of News distribution

Before the age of social media. At that time, Gandarbha musicians used the Sarangi to sing songs. The songs shared local news and current events through travel from village to village by singing the song.

Cultural Identity

The sarangi is a crucial part of the Gandarbha (Gaine) community. For them, the sarangi is more than a livelihood. It is a symbol of ancestral pride, artistic skills and cultural heritage. The Gandarbha (Gaine) community passed down the art of playing and crafting the sarangi.

Emotional Connection

Initially, sarangi was used for news and storytelling. Most of the stories are about the reality of society. So, audiences feel and connect with the stories. a genuine emotion while

Adaptation and continuity

Sarangi was once considered an instrument of the lower caste. Now it has found its place in Nepali music. The younger generation is preserving, modernising and globalising the traditional instruments. Today, the sarangi is an example of cultural continuity. It shows how tradition can evolve without being lost.

Construction of Sarangi

The sarangi is a beautifully handcrafted instrument. It was originally made using natural materials from the local forest and animals. Every part of the sarangi contributes to its sound and cultural authenticity.

Types of Wood Used

Sarangies are carved from a single piece of wood.  The choice of wood affects the quality, tone and longevity of the instrument. The most common types of wood used in Nepal are:

• Sisso (Rosewood)-Known for durability and warm tone
• Khirro (Sapium insigne) – Lightweight and easy to shape, common in traditional sarangis.

Strings materials

The sarangi has four main strings. Their construction has evolved with time.

Traditional Strings: Originally made from sheep or goat intestine.

Modern String: Today, strings are made by using nylon, steel, or badminton racket strings.

Bow materials

Traditional bows were made from house tail hair.

Modern bows use nylon hair.

How to Play the Sarangi?

There are different methods of producing notes on the Sarangi. The Gandarbha community played the sarangi through the coordination between the left hand for notes and the right hand for bowing.

Left Hand Technique

The left hand is used to press the strings to create different notes. Sarangi players use the nail edges and the sides of the fingers to touch the strings lightly. Mastering finger placement is crucial.

Right Hand Technique

The right hand holds the bow and moves it horizontally across the strings.

Traditional vs. modern playing style

Traditional Style:

• Played on narrative songs and oral storytelling
• Players continuously bow while singing
• Focused on folk rhythms and melodic simplicity

Modern Style

• Adopted into contemporary genres like Nepali pop, fusion, and film music
• Uses a microphone, modern strings
• Played with instruments like guitar, tabla, and keyboards

Price of Sarangi in Nepal 2025

The price of Sarangi varies with its quality.

Types	Price
Folk Sarangi	1500-5000
Classical Sarangi	More than 10,000
Decorative Sarangi	1000-3000

 

Factors that affect the price of sarangi

The price of sarangi is influenced by several factors:

• Material Quality
• Craftsmanship
• Playability
• Size and Customizations
• Seller and Source

Where to buy a sarangi in Nepal

Nowadays, with the rise of online and offline stores, finding a sarangi isn’t hard. The major hardship is finding one of good quality.  If you can access an offline store, visit that. If you are looking for an online store, then Swodeshi Nepal is the perfect place for sarangi.

Why you should buy your Sarangi from Swodeshi

Swodeshi is an online store which promotes Nepali authentic products in Nepal and abroad. The purpose of Swodesh is to promote Nepali culture and unique traditions through various Nepali products.

• Handpicked directly from artisans

Swodeshi sources its Sarangis directly from the original makers of the instruments. Gandarbha artisans.

• Transparent product details with an Affordable price

Swodeshi offers Sarangis at fair and competitive prices along with clear product details. There are no hidden costs. You get great value for your money.

• Nationwide delivery

Whether you are in Kathmandu or a remote district, Swodeshi provides fast delivery services across the world

• International shipping

Swodeshi also offers international delivery to selected countries. Whether you live abroad and want to reconnect with Nepali culture or share it with others. Now, you can easily order a Sarangi and have it shipped overseas.

• Quality Assurance

Every product listed on Swodeshi goes through a quality check to ensure its quality.

• Promote Culture with Products

You are not just purchasing an instrument from Swodeshi Nepal. You’re supporting a mission to preserve Nepali art, music, and tradition.

Tips for Buyers

No matter why you’re buying a sarangi, it is important to check a few key details to ensure you’re getting value, quality, and authenticity.

Check the Wood Quality

Both the condition and type of wood directly affect the sound, durability, and appearance of the Sarangi. Look for the Sarangis made from seasoned hardwoods such as:

• Sissoo
• Khirro
• Saaj

Test the Sound

If you are buying offline:

• A good Sarangi should produce a warm, rich, and resonant tone.
• Try playing it by yourself or ask an expert to test.

If you’re buying online:

• Read product descriptions carefully to understand the tone and playability.

Conclusion

The Sarangi is not only an instrument. It is a piece of art, a history of the gandarbha community, a medium of news distribution and storytelling. Sarangi is a true gem of the Nepali music industry. The Sarangi itself is a symbol of  cultural Revolution. The Gandarbha society preserved and passed its history from generation to generation. Now, it is our duty to preserve history and art.