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Saharsa district admin to support shehnai players living in penury, obscurity
Saharsa district administration in Bihar announced plans to link local shehnai players to the Mukhyamantri Kalakar Pension Yojna, providing stipends of at least ₹3,000 per month. Outreach began in January with players invited to perform at government events, as part of efforts to revive the instrument beyond weddings.
Why It Matters
The move aims to preserve a traditional art form and provide sustainable livelihoods for performers, while fostering public-cultural engagement and potentially reducing reliance on unregulated DJs at events.
Timeline
2 Events
April 23, 2026: Pension linkage plan announced
April 23, 2026
The district administration announced plans to link shehnai artistes in Saharsa with the Mukhyamantri Kalakar Pension Yojna, providing a monthly stipend of at least ₹3,000. Culture officer Sneha Kumari said artistes across blocks such as Sattar Kattaiya, Mahishi, Nauhatta, and Sobarsha were being listed, and that they are invited to government functions with incentives; the move follows revival interest since January, and the district reportedly has around 100 shehnai players.
January 2026: District begins outreach to shehnai players
January 2026
The Saharsa district administration began outreach in January 2026, inviting shehnai players to perform at events, including Nitish Kumar’s birthday function, as part of efforts to revive the instrument’s role in public functions.