Nepali Music & traditional folk songs

Music forms an integral part of spiritual and secular life in Nepal. If you've not yet had the pleasure of listening to some of Nepal's traditional folk music, we've a treat for you. Wherever you travel in Nepal, from Bhuddist Stupa to Newar restaurant to one of the many festivals like Bisket Jatra (shown on the right) you'll hear some haunting melodies and harmonies. The combination of folk music, incense and classical dancing by Nepali belles in traditional costume can be a heady experience...

A Nepali belle in traditional dress, jewellry and make up

... particularly if accompanied by a fine meal and a little rokshee (a traditional home distilled spirit, similar to saki and although widely available, not officially permitted).

We are delighted to bring you two tracks of traditional folk music from Nepal, courtesy of Dexo Music Centre, one of the leading music publishers in Kathmandu. Simsime is a collection of monsoon folk songs and comes highly recommended. Click each CD cover for a track in MP3.

Monsoon Folk Music (MP3 format, 1.35 MB)

Buddhist monks chanting at Swayumbanath Stupa