As human being develops they tried to entertain themselves through different medium. Among different mediums musical instruments is one of them. People invented different kinds of musical instruments according to their views and ideas. People were using musical instrument from ancient time to entertain themselves. In Nepal, the musical instruments were developed rapidly as human brain developed. So it is fact that Nepal is one of the rich countries in cultural heritage due to the traditional instruments and music available.
The various musical instruments are played in Newari society in different occasions like religious programs, cultural programs and mostly in happy moments like festival, Jatra, Puja, Marriage and even used in death ceremony.
According to experts in Nepal, 200 various musical instruments are developed. And. among them 108 types of musical instruments are currently being used. In which most of the instruments are being used in Newari society.
The musical instruments are categorized into four groups. They are
- Musical instruments that use skin (Dhimaya, Dha, Khin, Daha, Dam Khin, Mag Khin, etc)
- Musical instruments played by striking two objects (Bhushya, chushya, Ta, Tai-nai, etc.)
- Musical instruments that use string (Piwach, Sarangi, Guitar, Sitar, Violin, etc)
- Musical instruments played by mouth (Basuri, Murali, etc)
In Newari instruments, most of the instruments are made up of skins. These types of instruments are played by combining other musical instruments to produce better musical beat. In Kathmandu valley the musical instruments named “Dhimaya”, which is made up of skins is one of the famous musical instrument. And this instrument is mostly used in Newari culture.
Dhimaya Musical Instrument:
Dhimaya is one of the important musical instruments. It is said that God Mahadev has invented this musical instrument. In Nepalese history this instrument has been used since Kirat age. This instrument is mostly used in Newari culture by “Jyapu” caste of Kathmandu valley. They play this musical instruments in different festivals and programs.
The size of this instrument is mostly 40 inch-radius and 17 inch- length to 51 inch-radius and 21 inch-length. The wooden part is covered with metal to make it attractive. Along with this instrument other instruments like Bhushya, Chushya and Tai-nai are also played. Mostly Bhushya is played and its size is around 10 to 21 inch. In Lalitpur, this instrument is played during Machhindra Nath Jatra and in different occasions. This instrument is one of the main instrument played in Newari culture.
