Before the arrival of the Bengali New Year, music shops used to buzz with activity. Many music schools would start classes after the first day of the year, and it was customary for eager students to acquire new instruments for the upcoming year. Some would visit the shops to repair their existing instruments in preparation for Baishakhi celebrations. However, times have changed. Nowadays, musical stores struggle to attract customers. While guitars, ukuleles, and banjos adorn the walls, traditional instruments sit neglected in the corners gathering dust.
Ratan Roy, the owner of “Music Plus” located at Science Lab, shared his observations. He noted a significant decline in the sales of harmoniums and tablas. According to Ratan, the situation has worsened recently, leading to a standstill in business. The substantial investments required in this industry are yielding zero returns currently, making it a financially challenging endeavor.
The dwindling popularity of traditional instruments can be attributed to a complex interplay of technological advancements, evolving cultural trends, and economic constraints. The primary factor impacting the industry is the escalating cost of living. Retailer Md Jahirul Islam from “Civic Music Point” highlighted the soaring prices of essential goods, leaving families with limited disposable income for leisure activities like purchasing musical instruments.
Islam emphasized the diminishing allure of music in today’s society, where financial priorities often overshadow recreational pursuits. He mentioned the scarcity of discretionary funds for non-essential items, including musical instruments, due to the financial strain on households.
Apart from economic factors, the shift towards modern technology has also contributed to the fading appeal of traditional instruments. There has been a notable transition in music education and performance methods. Even in traditional setups, technology is replacing traditional craftsmanship, with electric instruments like the tanpura gaining preference over their acoustic counterparts. Online innovations such as synthetic instruments are becoming popular choices over traditional ones like the dotara.
Many young musicians now find traditional instruments redundant, opting to create, edit, and produce music tracks entirely on digital devices. Roni Bormon from “Surasree” mentioned a shift in learning methods, where contemporary artists prefer quick access to playing popular tunes over mastering traditional music scales.
Bormon stressed the need for governmental support and cultural initiatives at the educational level to rekindle interest in traditional instruments among the youth. He expressed concerns about the dwindling business prospects in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to revive the cultural heritage associated with these instruments.
The decline in the traditional instrument trade has been gradual, almost imperceptible, until its impact became undeniable. The younger generation faces the challenge of not only preserving these instruments as cultural symbols but also revitalizing their economic significance. Until then, harmoniums, tablas, and dotaras will remain neglected in the corners of stores, awaiting a revival of interest and appreciation.