Traditionally in Nepal, the Sarangi was only played by people of Gandarbha or Gaine caste (both contested and interchangeable terms), who sing narrative tales and folk song, however, in present days, its popularity extends beyond the Gandharba community and is widely used and played by other caste members as well.

[2][3] While the Sarangi has become the quintessential Gandharba instrument, its counterpart, the arbajo,[4][5] which is a plucked lute, has fallen into obscurity.

Having a neck and hollowed-out double-chambered body, they are often made from woods of trees that are easily available, most often that of saaj (साज, Terminalia elliptica), sisau (सिसौ, Dalbergia sissoo), khirro (खिर्रो, Falconeria), bakaino (बकाइनो, Melia azedarach), salla (सल्ला, Pinus), saur (सौर, Betula alnoides) , lankuri (लाँकुरी, Fraxinus floribunda), chilaune (चिलाउने, Schima wallichii) or aanp (आँप, Mangifera indica).

The Gandharba received intestines of sheep sacrificed during major festivals like Dashain, which they left in a pot for some days.

The bow was traditionally strung with horse tail-hair, but, in the modern days, nylon bowstrings are common.

As Sarangi is usually the only instrument used in their songs, except some Nepali percussion like Madal, the continuous sound of the root note (or drone from the 2 middle strings) provides the ambiance.

Along with the folk tunes, the Sarangi players also experimenting the use of this instrument in modern and western genres these days.

That tradition is still seen across Nepal where Gandharba travel to other villages and sing songs to earn their living.

Because of its popularity, historical importance, and socio-cultural value, the sarangi has been featured by a number of television and radio programmes in Nepal.

Barta Gandharba is a female sarangi player who is known for her appearance in the Voice of Nepal music competition in 2019.

He taught the art, craft, and philosophy of The Gandharvas and Sarangi playing to his son and grandsons.