CHITWAN: Many people comment that native cultures of Nepal are on the verge of extinction, mainly due to attraction of youth toward western cultures.

Due to lack of interests in the new generation to inherent the culture from older generations, our culture is about to fade away, they comment.

But, some youth of Newari community in Narayangdh of Chitwan district are engaged in protecting their culture.

Every day, they gather at Ram Mandir nearby the bank of Narayani River to practice the Dhalki Baja.

Dhalki Baja is one of the traditional instruments of Newar community in Chitwan district, which is played only on the Gaijatra festival.

According to Ashwin Shrestha, Founder Coordinator of Pasa Pucha Club, they have trained the youth as the instrument is on the verge of extinction and long practice is needed to play the traditional instruments.

For last four years, they are training the youth from Nagapanchami to the first day of Gaijatra festival only.

This year, the Gaijatra festival befalls on coming Sunday while the Nagpanchami festival was observed on August 19.