Folk Music of Nepal
Contents
Explore the traditional folk music of Nepal, with a focus on the instruments, lyrics, and history behind the music.
Introduction
Nepal has a rich tradition of folk music, with a wide variety of musical styles that have developed over the centuries. Nepal’s folk music is often passed down from generation to generation, and is an important part of the country’s cultural heritage.
There are many different types of folk music in Nepal, ranging from traditional ballads to more modern genres such as Tamang Selo and Jhyaure. Tamang Selo is a type of folk music that originated in the Tamang community of Nepal, and is characterized by its use of traditional instruments such as the dholak (a type of drum) and the sarangi (a stringed instrument). Jhyaure is another type of folk music that is popular in Nepal, and is characterized by its upbeat tempo and catchy melodies.
Nepal’s folk music has been influenced by a number of different cultures over the years, including Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese culture. This diversity can be heard in the wide range of musical styles that can be found in Nepal.
What is Folk Music?
Folk music is music that is passed down orally within a culture, often without the use of formal musical notation. It encompasses a wide range of styles and genres, from traditional songs to modern rock. Folk music has been passed down for centuries, and can be found in every corner of the world.
Nepal is no exception to this rule, with a rich and diverse array of folk music styles that reflect the country’s many cultures and traditions. From the joyful sounds of the baja (a traditional string instrument) to the more modern pop-influenced sounds of Nepali folk-rock, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional music or looking to discover something new, Nepal’s folk music scene is sure to have something for you.
Folk Music of Nepal
Folk music is the music of the people, and Nepali folk music is some of the most beautiful and varied in the world. From the soaring lonesome melodies of the west to the pulsing rhythms of the east, folk music reflects the diversity of Nepal and its people.
Tamang Selo
The Tamang Selo is a folk song genre of the Tamang people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Himalayan region of Nepal. The Tamang Selo is one of the most popular genres of Nepali folk music, and is often played at festivals and other social gatherings.
The Tamang Selo is characterized by its use of simple melodies and rhythms, as well as its use of traditional instruments such as the madal (a type of drum) and the lahure (a type of flute). The lyrics of Tamang Selo songs often deal with topics such as love, nature, and social commentary.
Jyapu Geet
The Jyapu community is one of the many occupational castes found in Nepal. They are primarily farmers, although some are now involved in other occupations. The Jyapus are found mainly in the Kathmandu Valley, although some also live in other parts of Nepal.
The Jyapus have their own traditional music, which is called Jyapu Geet. This music is performed primarily by women, and it is used to celebrate various important occasions in the Jyapu community.
The Jyapu Geet is usually performed by a group of women, who sing and play traditional instruments such as themadal (a type of drum) and the jhyaṅgri (a type of cymbal). The lyrics of the Jyapu Geet are often about love, marriage, and other aspects of life.
The Jyapu Geet is an important part of the Jyapu culture, and it is a way for the community to connect with their history and tradition.
Janta Geet
Janta Geet are folk songs that were popularized by the Jana Andolan movement in Nepal during the early 1990s. The songs were intended to inspire the Nepali people to unite and fight for democracy, and they quickly became an anthem for the pro-democracy movement. Many of the Janta Geet are still popular today, and they continue to be an important part of Nepali music.
Bhujeli Geet
The Bhujeli Geet is a traditional form of folk music from Nepal. It is typically sung by a solo female singer, accompanied by a string instrument called the sarangi. The lyrics of Bhujeli Geet are often about love, loss, and longing.
Dohori Geet
Dohori geet is a genre of music that developed in the mid-1920s in Nepal. It is a Folk music based on love and romance. The lyrics of dohori geet are typically playful and tease out the sentiments between the boy and the girl. The structure of dohori geet is such that the first half of the song is sung by the boy, followed by a reply from the girl. This exchange continues till the end of the song, with each party trying to outwit the other through their lyrics.
Conclusion
The folk music of Nepal is an expression of the daily lives of the Nepali people. It is diverse, rich, and reflective of the many cultures that make up Nepal. The music is an important part of Nepali culture and is celebrated throughout the country.
