Madal (Madala)मादल
A popular percussion instrument, the Madal is widely used in Nepali folk music. It’s a cylindrical drum played with both hands.
Sarangi(Sarangi)सारंगी
A traditional string instrument played with a bow, the Sarangi is known for its deep, resonant sound. It’s often associated with the Gandharva community, who are traditional musicians.
Bansuri(Bamsuri)बाँसुरी
A bamboo flute, the Bansuri is an important instrument in Nepali classical and folk music.
Damphu(Damphu)डम्फू
This is a traditional drum used by the Tamang people. It’s similar to a tambourine and is used in various traditional songs and dances.
Dholak(Dholaka)ढोलका
A two-headed hand drum is used in folk music across Nepal. It’s similar to the Madal but larger.
Sitar(Sitara)सितारा
Although more commonly associated with Indian classical music, the Sitar is also used in Nepali classical music.
Tungna(Ṭuṅganā)तुङ्ग्ना
A traditional string instrument of the Thakali and Tamang people, the Tungna is carved from a single piece of wood and has a distinctive sound.
Panche Baja(Pañcē Bājā)पञ्चे बाजा
A set of five traditional musical instruments typically played during weddings and other ceremonial occasions in the hilly regions of Nepal. The set usually includes the Damaha (a type of drum), Narsingha (a type of horn), Karnal (a long trumpet), Sahanai (a kind of oboe), and Jhyali (cymbals).
Dhyangro(Dhuamgro)ढ्याङ्ग्रो
A traditional drum is used by the shamans (Dhami/Jhankri) during rituals. It has a distinctive sound and is considered sacred.
Tabala(Tabalā)टबला
Like the Indian tabla, this pair of hand drums is used in classical and devotional music.
Tyamkob(Ṭyāmkō)ट्याम्को
typically used in cultural and religious ceremonies, especially among the Newar community. It is a small drum made of wood, often with animal skin stretched over one end.
Sankha(Sankha)संखा
Sankha is made from a big shell of the conch discovered within the sea and ocean. It is performed by blowing air with our mouths. Where it is mostly used to worship God Shiva.
Jhyamta(Jhyāmṭā)झ्याम्टा
Nepali traditional musical instruments are played by artists of Nepal. It looks similar to a cymbal. The Kirat community uses this with dhol (Kirat) in various cultural festivals such as Sakela, Chyabrung, Udhauli, Ubhauli, and other social functions.
Shehnai(Śahanā) शहना
The shehnai, often translated into English as clarinet, is a musical instrument originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is made of wood, with a double reed at one end and a metal or wooden flared bell at the other.
Narsinga(Narsinga)नर्सिङ्गा (A trumpet)
It is a wind instrument originating from Nepal. It is a horn or trumpet often used in Nepali folk and religious music. Local craftsmen in Nepal make these instruments by hand and on demand.
Murchunga(Muracuṅgā)मुराचुङ्गा
It is a Nepali musical instrument consisting of a flexible metal or bamboo tongue or reed attached to a frame and it produces the sound like Binayo. Murchunga is also practiced among the Kiranti people. The tongue/reed is placed in the performer’s mouth and plucked with the finger to produce a note.
