AP PHOTOS: Nepal women keep the art of traditional instruments alive despite their past stigma

As a child, Shanti Chaudhari was scolded by her parents for standing too close to a group of musicians playing the naumati baja, Nepal's nine traditional instruments, because they were identified with the Damai, part of the lowest caste that was formerly known as “untouchables.” Chaudhari, now 41, eventually overcame her family's opposition and today performs in a band of her own called Shrijanshil Mahila Sanstha, or the Self-Reliant Women’s Group. Her husband, who also was initially against her participation, now supports her musical pursuit and cooks meals when she gets home late from a performance. Bal Kumari Bhusal, the band's founder, says she was criticized when she first set up the band, which includes members from various castes. The band was tutored by Dalit musicians — the formerly untouchable class — when it was formed in 2021. “Previously, there were few women musicians, but now we’re growing in numbers on this journey. It’s not just about preserving our cultural...