But the Kapali community, that has been building fervor in common people playing traditional musical instruments on all these historic occasions, has yet to taste the fruits of change.[break]
The Kapalis have played at the forefront of the rallies during all these auspicious days for generations.
The political changes have catapulted many to power but there has been no improvement in their living standards. In the name of property all they have is a kitchen garden, the harvest from which provides daily meals for only three months, leaving them struggling to make ends meet for the rest of the year.
Ignored by all successive regimes, they are now resigned to the fact that their plight will not change under any system.
“I have realized that nobody is concerned about changing the fate of the downtrodden,” rued Man Bahadur Kapali, 76, who has been playing music on these sorts of occasions for over 60 years.
There is a small settlement of Kapalis in Kaptan Pati of Chautara. The inhabitants of this settlement have been taking part in these celebrations on the invitation of District Development Committee´s (DDC). The community took part in the Loktantra Day celebrations on Sunday as well.
But even as the rally turned into a mass conference in the DDC premises, the Kapalis were in a hurry to leave. “It would be great if we can leave early,” Man Bahadur said.
The DDC paid the group Rs 1,500. “We have to share the amount among 7-8 persons,” Ram Prasad Kapali said. The Kapalis had been playing for Rs 1,000 for over 40 years and the DDC increased the sum to 1,500 after the country became republic. “In those times 1,000 was a big sum,” Man Bahadur reminisces.
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