Each nation comprises its own unique and distinct set of folk music. With over fifty ethnic groups in Nepal, the land is enriched with diverse country music such as Chyabrung, Dohori, Filmi Music, Classical, Ghazal, and Tamang Selo. Different styles and musical instruments comprise the essence of a unitary folk category. Below are some of the songs widely praised and listened to in the folk genre songs in Nepal. We have enlisted some of Nepal’s most famous traditional or folk songs here.
Evergreen Nepali Folk songs
Resham Firiri – Buddhi Pariyar
Resham Firiri is a classic folk song from Nepal composed by the renowned musician Buddhi Pariyar, initially performed by Sunder Shrestha and Dwarika Lal Joshi in 1969. The song gained massive popularity and became Nepal’s most widely performed song. Likewise, Resham Firiri is played on Sarangi, a native Nepalese musical instrument. The origination and compilation of the songs are deemed to have been collected from Pokhara and recorded in Radio Nepal, the first Nepal radio station. The lyrical interpretation was supported by Nepalese singers Dwarika Lal Joshi and Sunder Shrestha before it was released in 1970 on the radio station. Moreover, the duration of the song is five minutes, and the instruments used in making the piece are Madal, Basuri (Nepali flute), and Sarangi (Nepali instrument similar to violin).
Deurali Ukali Chadera – Saroj Gopal Bajracharya
Famous folk singer, a native of Pokhara, Saroj Gopal Bajracharya, became widely known for his Ukali Orali Chadera and other folk songs. The folk song comprises beautifully crafted Lok tunes and jamming music, sure to warm your heart. Moreover, Bajracharya was the founding station manager of Macchapuchhre FM radio based in Pokhara. Some masterpieces by the folk singer include Nakkalilai Bagailagyo Jhilkele and Mayaluko Mohani Boli.
Pidhima Basera – Buddhi Krishna Lamichhane
Pidhima Basera is a Nepali folk musical composition by the late Buddhi Krishna Lamichhane. In memory of his outstanding contribution to the folk music genre of Nepal, Pidhima Basera is a tribute song for all the working-class migrant laborers who are staying far from their families and homes. Moreover, a renowned folk musician from Bangladesh, Arko Mukhaerjee, has revived melodious music on his YouTube channel, Arko Mukhaerjee, with his improvised folk-style vocals and melodies. Some of Buddhi’s remarkable folk pieces are Samjhaideu, Sanoma Dunga Woltai, Khahare Khola, and Ghas Katne Khurkerw.
Babari Phool Ko Bot – Pandav Sunuwar & Basudev Munal
Babari Phool Ko Bot is an old Nepali folk song by esteemed musical artists Pandav Sunuwar and Basudev Munal. It is one of the most listened-to songs during the early 2000s, inhabiting a classical blend of quick-tempo Lok rhythm and tone. The song is a debate in musical rhythm, which invokes sharp and witty poetry. Among Pandav’s musical contributions, we cannot leave some of his prominent themes of the era, such as Olla Khola, Mathi Mathi, Gauchha Geet Nepali, and Bola Bola Nani.
Dhunge Bagar – Lal Bahadur Khati
Dhunge Bagar is a classic Nepali folk song by accomplished artist Lal Bahadur Khatri. It was released in 2009 from the album Lal Bahadur Khati Ka Lokgeet. The musical piece is 2 minutes and 54 seconds long. Several online platforms, including YouTube, JioSaavn, Apple Music, Gaana, etc., let you listen to and download this song. Some of his timeless pieces include Bajhang Ko Dando, Aakashma Kalo Badal, Balefi Ma Prahari, Chhupuma Chhupu, and so on.
Hariyo Danda Mathi – Dharma Raj Thapa
If you were born in the late 90s and early 2000s, you must have heard the folk Nepali song Hariyo Danda Mathi growing up. It is one of the oldest and most famous songs, which most people still love. One of the most prominent Nepali folk singers, Janakavi Keshari Dharmaraj Thapa, sang the song. Some of the most successful songs by Dharmaraj during his lifetime include Nepali Le Maya Maaryo Barilai, Suna Mero Nirnaya, Saahili Rimai, and many more.
Simali Chhaya Ma Basi – Jeevan Sharma
Simali Chhaya Ma Basi is a musical folk song from the Nepali movie Simali Chhaya. The film, along with the soundtrack, was released in 2008. Simali Chhaya Ma Basi is a musical masterpiece by the esteemed Nepalese singer, poet, and philanthropist Jeevan Sharma. He is renowned as one of the most significant cultural figures of the proletarian class. Jeevan has been known for his musical interpretation against social exploitation, poverty alleviation, and awareness among the people in favor of democracy.
Lekali He Choya Ko – Ram Thapa
Ram Thapa is one of the majestic personalities in the context of Nepali folk music. He has sung over 150 folk songs. With directional assistance from over 200 pieces, Ram Thapa has contributed as the first person to publicize music books to the general public. Likewise, among his musical collaborations, Lekali He Choya Ko is a work of genius from the esteemed singer. The song is the primary go-to song under any auspicious occasion in the Nepalese community. Several artists have modified this song; however, the original piece by Ram Thapa constitutes a class of its own. It is one of the most played Nepali songs on the guitar.
Aamale Sodhlin – Jhalak Man Gandharva
Pioneer in expressing Gandharva-themed songs in the Nepalese community, Jhalakman Gandharva is a Nepali folk singer born in the nineties. His excellency is remarkable as the first musician to record and broadcast Gandharva music on the radio. Aamale Sodhlin is the most popular song by the artist, and it serves Poetic vocals addressing the final memos of the wounded soldier on the battlefield. Similarly, Jhalakman recorded several musical pieces, including Karkha, Zhaure, Bhaj, Khayali, etc.
Mata Khadina Kuwako Pani – Tirtha Kumari Thapa
Mata Kadina Kuwako Pani was performed by the renowned and legendary folk singer Tirtha Kumari Thapa of the Nepali music industry. She is the late mother of the modern (Adhunik) musician and artist Suraj Kumar Thapa.
Tirtha has contributed numerous ageless pieces to the Nepali music industry, including Mata Khadina Kuwako Pani, Bariko Dilma Okharbot, Jhamke Fuli Nakaima Bulaki, Dai Kahako Damauliko, Ukali Ma Pani Hajur Motor Jado Raichha, etc. Music Nepal uploaded the original song on YouTube in 2021. Barun Jung Rana bestowed the lyrics and music of the song, while Rabin Deshar took the initiative as the editor for the piece.
Kalipari Dai Kati – Tara Devi
Kali Pari Dai Kati Ramro is a classical song by the sword samragyi Tara Devi, aka Nightingale of Nepal. Kali Pari is a Nepali modern-folk song released in 2009 from the Taradevi Ka Adhunik Geet album. It is one of the most beautiful Nepali songs written by Jana Kavi Keshari Dharmaraj Thapa, and the music was composed by the esteemed Nepali musician Natikaji. Some of Tara Devi’s most beloved musical exhibitions are Soche Jasto Hunna Jeevan, Subhakamana, Ukali Orali Haruma, Phoolko Thunga, Timra Paau Haruma, Timile Jati Maya Diyepani and so on.
