Page 22 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (118)

21 SOUTHERN MESSENGERS

Ancient melodies, dawn to dusk

古乐相伴晨昏

In the early morning, as the first rays of sunlight bathe the into the fabric of royal court and temple ceremonies,
ancient streets of Kathmandu, Nepal, hymns already rise from with distinct rhythmic patterns, each reserved for specif-
the home of Bipu Shrestha. “My day begins with the music of ic occasions.
sacred chant,” says this researcher of Nepali traditional music. Despite the pressures of globalization and modern culture,
Once the chants fade, he turns to his faithful Dhimey Baja to which challenge the transmission of Nepali traditional music,
begin his daily practice. the Dhimey Baja maintains a resilient pulse within Newar
The Dhimey Baja, a core percussion instrument in Newar community life. Therefore, beyond teaching music history,
culture, is far more than an instrument; it is a living vessel of theory, and acoustics to youth at Kathmandu’s institutions,
cultural memory spanning millennia. Scholars trace Nepali Bipu is committed to reviving a tradition silenced for a centu-
traditional music back some 1,500 years to the Licchavi period ry, by forming ensembles and staging performances to bring
th
(4 –9 centuries AD). “My own research has uncovered musi- drum music back to collective soundscape.
th
cal compositions over 500 years old,” Bipu adds. “Music has brought me happiness and meaning in life,”
“I began learning the drum from my grandfather when Bipu reflects. “I will walk the path my ancestors walked, and
I was twelve or thirteen,” Bipu recalls, gently stroking dedicate my whole life to it.”
the Dhimey Baja that has been with him for years. This Bipu’s days begin and end with music. Within the deep
ancestral legacy led him not only to master its perfor- resonance of the Dhimey Baja, within the enthusiasm of his
mance but to delve deep into musical scholarship. His- young students, and within the quest for long-lost ancient
torical records show that by the Malla dynasty (12th–18th melodies, he has found his rhythm, giving a vibrant pulse to a
centuries), Dhimey Baja performance was already woven millennia-old tradition in the modern world.

An ongoing commitment to guardianship

延续守护使命

At 10:00 AM, the gates of Kathmandu’s Central Zoo slowly The shift from soldier to zoo guard has reshaped their dai-
open. There stands Hareyram Thakuri in his uniform. “I’m a secu- ly lives as much as their careers. “In the army, we had little
rity guard here,” he introduces himself with a warm smile for the chance to interact with people,” Bhupendra reveals. “Here at
early visitors. “My colleagues and I work in shifts, day and night.” the zoo, I make new friends every day.” Hareyram chimes in
This is Nepal’s sole zoo. Managed under government with a smile, “The work itself is a source of daily joy.”
trusteeship since 1995, it now serves as an important wildlife Beyond recreation, the zoo serves as a vital center for ed habitats, the zoo’s residents now look healthier and more
research and conservation education center. Across its 6-hectare wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release. Its professional spirited than ever.
grounds, the zoo is home to over 900 animals representing expertise in handling human-wildlife conflict and emergency Their duties extend far beyond just tending to the animals.
more than 120 species, welcoming over a million visitors an- response provides critical support for national conservation in- “Courtesy is key with visitors, but our top priority is every-
nually. Through the ongoing introduction of both native and itiatives. Furthermore, through outreach programs like “Friends one’s safety,” Hareyram emphasizes. After dark, when the last
exotic species, it offers a living window to rare wildlife from of the Zoo” with local schools, it fosters nature education and guest has departed, a methodical routine begins: “We count all
around the world. raises public awareness of wildlife protection. the animals, check every lock meticulously, and make sure the
“I previously served in the Nepalese Army,” shares Har- A special connection thrives here between the caretakers entire grounds are secure.”
eyram. His colleague, Bhupendra Chanda, comes from a sim- and the animals. “Every animal has its own name,” says Bhu- For these two ex-servicemen, working at the zoo has
ilar background. “First, I protected my country. Now, I protect pendra. “When we call them, many recognize their names and opened a completely new chapter. They have continued their
the animals here,” says Bhupendra. “Both give me a great respond.” This tacit understanding is the fruit of their daily, at- mission of guardianship in another form, finding fresh purpose
sense of accomplishment.” tentive care. Thanks to the on-site animal hospital and upgrad- within the zoo’s grounds.