Haridevi Koirala's voice resonates in every house after the song of Salinda Teej. The originality of Teej is not only found in the voice of Haridevi, the singer of famous folk songs like Aina Herer...Pine Khabar..., but also in her other songs, the sweet flavor of Nepali folklore is found.

Haridevi, who spent two and a half decades of her life in the teaching profession and worked in a bank for five years, is now free. Edited part of Upasana Ghimire's conversation with Haridevi, who has composed more than a thousand songs and has been singing Teej songs since 2045. What differences have you found in Teej songs before and now?

The earlier Teej songs were about awareness, the pain of girls, trafficking, dowry, corruption, and anomalies. There are Teej songs for every theme. First of all, what is Teej? Had to understand that . This is a festival. The song sung during the festival is the festival song and the song sung while working is the labor song. There are twelve month songs that can be sung for 12 months. Teej, a special day, is sung only on the periphery . As in Deusuri Tihar, Malashree is sung in Navadurga . It is important for the present generation to understand what kind of festival Teej is and what kind of song to sing.
Teej has family, cultural and religious significance. Some of the current Teej songs have mixed distortions for likes and views, from which our future generations will learn and how they view Teej and this is a thoughtful aspect . Let's embellish our culture, which has been going on for a long time, if possible, let's not spoil it . However, it is important to have politeness, healthy entertainment, and education in the song . As the artist is a mirror of the society, those who are engaged in the art field should politely build the culture .

There is an allegation that earlier Teej songs contained only crying, worry and pain, why? In

society, crying, tears, laughter, entertainment, all kinds of moments come . All these fall within the scope of humanity . I have been creating Teej songs in the original language every year to end the growing distortions in Teej songs. Is dullness and distortion development? Is it a big musical leap? All of us should be able to think about this. Such distortions have spoiled the society and given a negative message to the future generation . It is a big accident, irony for society, culture. The song should come from all angles . Barely loose, going viral or earning, not just selling . It is only temporary .
What is your favorite song? What is your most popular song?

likes all his creations equally. Although 'Pine Khabar Ghar Migi Aanu Hai Mero Hajar, Ammo Chithi, Phoolko Vasana, Jhiljhil Sitara, Aina Herer' are my popular folk songs.
How should Teej be celebrated? Now, Teej is celebrated from a month ago, how do you feel ?

Some of the sisters fast without food, it is a matter of their will and freedom. What is done by steadfast faith is good . When saying religion, time and health should also be considered . The positive aspects of any festival should be followed . There is not much religion in starving. Keeping your health in mind and following the social environment, you should perform dharma according to your happiness and desire . Times change . Many women have left the district for work. So they celebrate at the same time. It is better to celebrate from 8-10 days in advance with a limited time instead of a long time . Especially on the second day of Teej, the only rate is to eat . On other days, it is better to have lunch as a meeting of Teej. It is better to eat all together in a short time . Teej should be like Teej . Instead of a commercial form of ostentatiousness, a symbolic form of Teej should be made in which all sisters can be seen .
What are the likes and dislikes of Teej?

When you go to your native land remembering your brothers, sisters, and the land you were born in, there is a strong relationship where everyone meets. Costumes, science related, social things are good . It also shared harmony . However, Teej's song-music section is good . Teej's message and philosophy is very good. After getting married, old mothers, grandmothers and mothers go to Maiti because of their deep love for their motherland . Siblings giving Dakshina, laughing with open heart is a beautiful aspect . The festival of Teej is a bridge that connects relationships.
Lord Shiva is worshiped on Panchami. It is linked to women's rights . Parvati fasts to get the person she wants. I see it as rebellion. The positive and scientific aspect of the festival should be followed and included, and the distortions in it should be left. Showing off jewelry even if it is done without a loan, distortions behind the scenes are bad aspects .

What kind of festival is Teej according to your understanding?

This is a women only festival . Teej conveys many kinds of messages. It is also a link to measure women's creativity and talent. Things that could not be said or spoken before are expressed through song. Earlier, on the day of Teej, women used to dance and sing, and men would listen to it. How many would cry after listening to the song . It is a festival full of songs and music of courtesy. Let us explain this festival to the present generation and try to understand them too. Likewise, let's celebrate Teej without fuss and without financial burden.
Will you continue the Teej song till the end ?

I will continue to sing music as long as my health allows. While preparing the Teej song, I go to the villages and ask about the incidents, search, and study with the people of the past. As there are all kinds of people in the society, my visuals range from the elderly to the children. Similarly, the traditional house can be seen in the video of Mera Teej song. Beauty lies in originality . If he was in the center, he would have had many opportunities, and more than that, he also thinks that he should do something by sitting in his place . This is what I am happy about. Big opportunities and dreams are not pursued . I am happy with what I have.
What message do you give to female sisters ?

Although behind the social structure, we are the master of our own life . We should proceed with the idea that we can do something through empowerment. Without our presence and participation, the nation is not formed. It should proceed in the same way. We should do what we can from our place. Be creative and move forward with courage and courage.
Other articles published in Ekantipur about Haridevi: