Folk Musical Instrument of Nepal

Folk musical instrument

The music which is played during an event like jatras, fairs, festivals, ceremony, etc is called folk music. It is also played along with folk songs. Folk music is related to a particular place, race, religion and culture, etc. Generally, the folk musical instrument is made using the locally available means and materials. Madal, Sarangi, Jhyali, Sankha, etc are some examples of folk musical instruments.

Along with folk songs, various musical instruments are also played in different festivals, jatras and ceremonies in Nepal. Like folk songs, the musical instrument also differs according to place, race, religion and culture.

A brief introduction of musical instrument played in Nepal is given below:

Madal: Madal is one of the most popular musical instruments of the Nepalese community. This musical instrument was first used by Magar community. Later on, it gained popularity throughout the country. It is made by making a big hole in a piece of thick log and it's both open sides are covered with skin. It is carried around the waist and played with both hands.

Sarangi: Sarangi is a traditional musical instrument introduced by Gandarva community of Kaski district which is made by khiri wood. It has four wires and is played by rubbing a bow on the wires. The people of the Gandarva community play the Sarangi along with their own local songs that talk about various incidents that happened in the country.

Flute (Bansuri/Murali): It is made by making a hole in a small piece of hollow bamboo pipe. It is a popular musical instrument throughout the country. It is played by blowing air with the help of our mouth.

Jhyali/Jhyamta: It is one of the musical instruments of Panchai Baja. It is made of bronze metal. It is played with our both hands.

Narasingha: It is also one of the musical instruments of Panchai Baja which is made of copper. It is long and curved like a half circle.

Sahanai: It is also a part of Panchai Baja. It is made of metal and played by blowing air with our mouth.

Nagara/Damaha: It is one of the musical instruments of Panchai Baja. It is made of copper and covered by leather.

Tyamko: It is also a part of Panchai Baja. It is like Nagara but small in size.

Sankha: It is made up of a large shell of the conch found in the sea and ocean. It is played by blowing air with our mouth. It is played during puja and other religious ceremonies of the Hindus. It is also blown when the dead body is taken to ghat for cremation.

Dholak: It is made of wood which is hollow inside and covered with leather.

Dhyangro: It is used by witch doctor like Dhami-jhankri and made by wood and leather.

Damphu: This musical instrument is used in Tamang community and made by covering the wood with leather.

Dafali: It is used in Terai region of the Mid-West and village in Mithila. It is a circular wooden frame with one side covered with leather. It is played during Holi festival.

Murchunga: It is made of iron and it produces the sound like Binayo. It is also popular among the Kiranti people.

Pung: It is made of the horn of an ox and is popular among the Kirant community of solu area.

Khaichandi: It is made of wood covered with skin and is played when Roila, Balana, etc are songs are sung. It is also played during Bhajan-kritan by Hindus.

Pungi: It is made by coconut shell and a hollow bamboo pipe. It is played in the terai to show the snake dance.

Yalamber: It is made of bamboo with two wires. It is used by Kirant community.

Tunga: This is a popular musical instrument used in the Himalayan region. It is made from rhododendron and has four wires like the Sarangi.

Ekatare: It is used by the sages and ascetics. It is made of wood, leather and string.

So, these are the folk musical instruments which are found in Nepalese community. These musical instruments are in the mouth of extinction. Thus, the government of Nepal should take effective measures to solve such problems.

Causes of extinction of Folk musical instruments:

1. The impact of western Culture.
2. Lack of institutes and training sectors.
3. Less scope for its use.
4. Lack of public awareness about its importance.

Measures to preserve folk musical instruments:

1. The musical instruments which are in a condition of being extinct should be included in the curriculum and taught in schools and colleges.
2. The active role of Government.
3. Mass awareness about its importance.
4. Conduct folk musical competition time to time.