Sahaanaa:
In the hilly regions of the Far Western Region of Nepal this curved wind instrument is favoured for playing melodies. The Sahaanaa is 45cm in length and has a copper bell at the lower end. The body of the instrument is carved in two halves from Khayar wood, which are fitted together lengthways. There is also a reed in the mouthpiece and seven finger holes plus another hole for the release of air. Because it is a very challenging instrument, requiring repeated practice, few people master it and it is not frequently heard these days. It is played during Dashain and at the festivals of hill fort Goddesses, which are all Goddesses of war.