Kathmandu, May 23 -- Pilaru-means "something to be admired," in the Tharu language.

Through this form of love, culture and collective expression, a traditional instrument is handcrafted. Pilaru fits perfectly in an adult's palm. Made of a special soil called Chimtaiko Maato, it mostly takes the shape of birds native to Madhesh.

There are four air passages in Pilaru. Two small circular holes for the index fingers to coordinate the tones, one thin, flat aperture to blow air into the instrument, and another wider slot right below it to balance the airflow. The size of a Pilaru determines the sharpness of its echoes. The bigger the structure, the lower the pitch.

Oral traditions hold poignant cultural significance in the Adivasi Tharu and ...