PANAJI: The rhythms of ‘Padharo Mhare Desh’ will take centre stage at the Monte Music Fest in Old Goa next month. This year, the hauntingly beautiful sounds of the 700-year-old Kamaycha will fill the air, played by the celebrated Manganiar community of Rajasthan, known for their soulful folk music.
The Kamaycha, a rare stringed musical instrument crafted from mango wood, is the pride of the Manganiars. The instrument boasts 17 strings, each crafted from different materials: three from goat intestine, five from copper, and nine from steel.
Revered Manganiar performer Dare Khan will be bringing the Kamaycha to life with the instrument that has been passed down through the family of Latif Khan for generations. “I have inherited this Kamaycha from my grandfather, who had inherited it from his grandfather,” Latif told
TOI. “It has been a part of my family’s musical legacy for over 700 years.”
Latif’s grandfather, the legendary Ustad Sakar Khan, was a pioneer in bringing the Manganiar tradition to the global stage. He was the first member of the Manganiar community to receive the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2012. Ustad Sakar Khan’s four sons continued this legacy, performing with iconic musicians such as Ustaad Zakir Hussain, Pt Shivkumar Sharma, Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia, Vishwa Mohan Bhat, and many others.
For the Khans, the Kamaycha is more than just an instrument. “In our village, Hamira, there is only one Kamaycha presently—the one that has been passed down in my family. This instrument is no longer being made, so we take great care to maintain it, especially the goat intestine strings. The wood structure remains the same, preserving its history,” he said.
At the Monte Music Fest, the Manganiars will also feature other traditional instruments from Rajasthan such as the Morchang (jawharp), Murli (flute), Bhapang (percussion), Algoza (beak flute), harmonium, and Khartal (idiophone).
“While Manganiars are often known for singing Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s songs, we will focus on the real folk songs of Rajasthan at the fest,” Latif said. The performance will also feature dancers from the snake charmer community.
The Monte Music Festival is to be from Jan 31 to Feb 2 at the courtyard of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount, Old Goa. The Manganiar community will perform on the third day of the festival.
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