Taasaa: Nepalese soldiers often march to the rhythm of the Taasaa, which, these days, is found in the District of Kapilvastu near to the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It is 25cm in diameter and is carried at waist level during playing. The skin of the drum is held taught with rope and is beaten with […]
Pinwaachaa: The Kathmandu Valley’s Jyapu caste traditionally played the Pinwaachaa. This bamboo instrument (38cm-50cm long) had fallen into disuse but has been reinstated, following research, by NFMIM. The body of the Pinwaachaa, which is 12-15cm diameter and 15cm deep, is covered in goatskin on the front but the back is left open. Melodies of various […]
Naagphani: Yogis play this copper instrument at Changu Narayan Jaatraa and at the Melaa of Swargadwari and Goshainkunda. At Changu Narayan temple it is played during daily ritual ceremonies. It is also played at several other temples. The Naagphani’s shape is like that of a very convoluted snake. It is 63cm long, with a mouthpiece […]
Kokil Muhaali: The music from the Kokil Muhaali, one of seven Muhaali belonging to the Kapali caste, is sweet and pleasing to hear like the song of the cuckoo bird hence its name, Kokil. It is a slender, curved instrument (45cm long) carved in two halves from Satisaal wood and then joined lengthways. There are […]
Jhaal: The Jhaal is held in both hands by the handles at each end and is shaken while singing hymns and Bhajana Kirtan. It is traditionally carved from a piece of Catechu wood 45cm long, 15cm wide and 5cm thick. Two pairs of brass jhyaali, 5cm in diameter, are inserted into each of 14 holes […]
Bheri: The Bheri is an old instrument (53cm long) played at the Nuwakot palace in Nuwakot while worshiping the Goddess Bhairavi. In earlier times it was heard as part of daily rituals but now is only seen on the occasions of special worship and at festivals. It is made of copper and its tubular shape […]
Karnaali Baajaa: This is an ancient instrument used for playing melodies of the traditional folk music of the Damaai caste of Western Nepal. It is made of copper, is 60cm long and is in the form of a long slender horn, which has been bent back through two complete circular turns in the middle. These […]
Raani Maadal: The Raani Maadal is so called because it is big and beautiful; the queen of drums. It belongs to the Magar ethnic group from Western Regions. This double-headed drum is made of Khamaari wood and is 60cm long. Both heads are covered in cowhide but they differ in size. The largest (20cm diameter) […]
Shikhar: This copper instrument is popular with the Damaai caste and is found only in the Gorkha District. It is a long (approximately 90cm) uniformly narrow tube throughout most of its length with a distinctive deep U-shaped bend in the middle but widens out into a bell after the U-bend. When played by particularly skillful […]
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 […]
