Nau Baja - The Traditional Newari Musical Instruments.

Newari Traditional Music

The traditional Newar music have been arranged into a particular schedule. One of the dominant forms of traditional Newar music is 'Dapha'. Dapha music is a classical newar music that probably originated during late 'Lichhavi Period' and flourished in the 'Malla period'. Basically, the songs of Dapha music are devotional songs based on classical ragas. Dapha music is played by bands known as 'Dapha Khalah' that may be associated with a traditional groups called 'guthi'. According to the ragas certain songs are played at certain season or time of day. The songs generally narrate or depict the mood of the particular season. Besides the seasonal and scheduled ragas, various ragas are played during specific events, such as Deepak raga (played when a monarch passes away).

Seasons, their festivals and music accompanying them are as follows:

Season	Festival	Song	Comments
Grishma (Summer)	Sithinakha to Gathāmuga Chare	Sinjyā	Played during plantation
Barshā (Monsoon)	Gathāmuga Chare to Yanlā Punhi	Tukājyā,Silu mye	Sad songs,while moving to Gosainkunda
Sharad (Autumn)	Dashian (Mohanee)	Malshree	Incorporated into mainstream Nepalese music as the music of Dashain
Hemant (Winter)
Shishir	Fagu purnima/Holi	Holi mye	Played during Fagu purnima
Basanta	Shree panchami to Buddha Jayanti	Basanta	Played to Head of state of Nepal in Nasalchowk on Vasant Panchami

1.2 Nau Baja:

Nau Baja stands for Dha, Kot, Pachima, Dhancha, Dhime, Dholak, Kokhing, Nyakhing and Nagara in total nine combined musical instruments (skin made related) played in the special occasions and fesvitals is one of the unique and important traditional music of Newari community of Bhaktapur. It is a living legend of Newari culture. Though Nau Baja is a combination of nine major musical instruments as mentioned above other helping musical instruments like Muhali, Ponga, Bayecha, Sichha, Bhuchhya, and Ta are used to add melody in the music. This is why Nau Baja can be categorized into three parts according the musical instruments used. 

·  Tha Baja : Nine major instruments; Dhhan, Kot, Pachhima, Dhhancha, Dhime, Dholak, Kokhhincha, Nayakhhincha and Nagara.

·         Dhatu Baja: Supporting instruments; Dhuchha, Sichha, Khwolimalicha and Ta.

·         Fwu Baja: Instruments played by the blow of air; Ponga, Muhali and Bayecha.

Amongst these musical instruments some to the typical newari musical instruments can be introduced as follows:

a)    Pachima :

Pachima is known as Khing in Newari language. The appearance of Pachima is similar to the shape of Khhen (egg), so it is named as Khing. The average size of Pachima is 24 inches long, 12 inches wide at the middle and at the end of one side it is 8 inches while other side is 9.5 inches. Both the ends of the instrument is covered with the skin of animals in which Khau (a black spot) to give melodious sound is filled partly. The larger side of the instrument is named as Manka and smaller one as Nas.

b)    Dhime :

It is a very special musical instrument played in Newari culture. The presence of Dhime in any events of place determines the presence of Newari culture there. Though there are Dhime of different sizes they are of same shape and appearance. It is made of hollow wooden frame of metal whose both ends are shield with skins. One side is played by necked hand and the other one is with a stick. The side which is played with nacked hand is very thinly coated with masala.

c)  Nya Khinn :

      

     It is one of the ning Tha Bajas of Nau Baja which is similar to the small size Dha. The side which is shield with skin is not coated with any kind of masalas in this instrument. It is played in special period of every festivals and Jatras. The newars of Kathmandu plays this instrument while taking dead body of any person to the Ghat.

d) Kot :

Kot is one of the major typical musical instrument of Badhya cast of Newars which is a combination of three Tha Bajas. Kot is played along with Pona and has a special importance. Specially it is played on Shrawan Gulamas, Chiva puja and other major pujas in the Buddish monasterys. Though it is one of the major musical instrument of Buddhis it is also given a special place in Nau Baja which shows the presence of multi religious aspects in Newari culture.

e) Pona :

  It is a kind of musical instrument played by blowing the air. It is also a unique musical instrument of Newari traditional music which is only used by Newari communities. About 1 meter long this instrument is played in Dafa Bhajan, Gula Baja, Kot etc. It is played specially at the time of starting some good deeds or programs.  Besids Newars other class of people in Nepal also plays a similar musical instrument as Pona but their melody, musical composion and way of blowing the air is very different than this.

It is believed that there are about 200 (two hundred) types of original musical instruments in Nepal, and 108(one hundred eight types) of musical instruments have been found till now. A great number of Newar musical instruments are included init. These instruments can be classified into four classes according to Sangeet Shastra.

i)        Membranophones - Dhimay, Dhah, Paschima, NayaKhin etc.

ii)       Idiophones - Bhusyah, Chhusyah, TainNain etc.

iii)     Chordophones-Piwancha

iv)     Aerophones - Muhali, Nekoo, Bansuri etc.

Mostly used musical instruments in Newar societies are membranophones, which are generally accompanied with idiophones and aerophones.

 i) Membranophones

Dhima

Dhimay is the most common musical instruments amongst the Newars. It is considered as the oldest musical instruments amongst the membranophones. Even though there is no evidence that Mahadeva invented this instruments (as legend says) but there is evidence to support that it dates back to Kirat period. It resembles the Chyabrung of Kirat Rais and Dhola of Tharus. Dhimay is played in almost al ceremonial marches by the Jyapus. They are fund lost in dancing with deep rumble of Dhimay in festivals.

Dhah

Gunla (a month according to Nepal Era) is taken as Buddhist holy month. As Dhah is played during Gunla it is also termed as 'Gunla Bajan'.It looks similar to Dhimay but is Slightly smaller than Dhimay. Dhah is constructed from cylindrical hollowed tree trunk slightly smaller than that of Dhimay. Tuning paste is stuck at the inner side of Mankah. Tuning paste is made of castor seeds, mustard oils etc

Paschima

Myth says, Paschima was invented by lord Krishna. This instrument is also known as Mridanga. It is a double headed drum with tuning paste in on hide (Nasah) and dough made of wheat flour is plastered in the other hide (Mankah) before playing.Paschima is accompanied with Baboocha (thinner cymbals), Tah (thicker cymbal), Muhali (shwam) or Bansuri (flute).

Nayakhin

It is another musical instrument used in many rituals. This instruments is mainly played by the Khadgis, however, this instrument is also played by other castes. It is also called as 'NayaKhin' or 'Dyah Khin'. Since it is also played in funeral processions it is also known as 'Seeh Bajan' (funeral drum). Long long ago, there was a tradition to play fanfare on NayaKhin to proclaim the news.

DapaKhin

DapaKhin has various names: Yakah Khin, Joh khin, Lala Khin, Deshi Khin, for instance. It is double headed drum with tuning paste in both hides. Dapa Khin is mainly played in Dapa Bhajans (traditional hymns). If a single Khin is played it is called Yakah Khin and if two Khins are played, they are called as 'Joh Khin'. DapaKhin is accompanied with Tah, Baboo and Bansuri (flute) or Muhali (Shwam).

Koncha Khin

Koncha Khin is single headed drum resembling Tabla. It is also termed as 'Khicha Khwah Khin' as it is said that dogs start to cry when Koncha Khin is played.

Koncha Khin is mainly played in marriage processions and accompanied with baboo, Tah and Baya or Muhali.

Pastah Khin

Also known as Kwatah Khin, Pasta Khin is a combination of Dapha Khin and NayaKhin. An ancient stone image of people playing Pastah Khin signifies its use since ancient time.

Pastah Khin is an important instrument in Bajrayan sect of Buddhism. Pastah Khin is accompanied with Ponga and Tah.

Nagara

Nagara is a kettle drum played with two sticks. This instrument has been described in purans as Dundubhi, Dundhu, Dundhub, Bheri, Adamber etc. It is often played in pair, known as Joh Nagara. Nagara is also played in Panchai Baja as Damaha. It is too played in Mahakali Dance.It is accompanied with Chhusyah and Muhali.

Dholak

Dholak resembles Dhah in structure and its playing techniques are similar to that of Paschima. Dholak is played in Dhalcha Bhajans and also accompanies Bansuri.

KantanDabDab

Also known as Damaru, it is a small two headed drum with straps. It is the instrument played by lord Shiva. KantanDabDab is especially played during Mohani Festival.

Magah Khin

This two headed drum with tuning paste at both ends belongs to magar community, however it has become an important part in Newar folk music. It is said that there are fifty four talas of Magah Khin. It is commonly known as Madal.

Daha

Daha or a tambourine is a percussion instrument played in Bansuri Bajan or Khin Bajan. It is also used whilst singing songs and in Bhajans.

Dhangro

Though it is not a Newar instrument it has become an integral part in many rituals. Dhyangro is basically played by Jhankris (Witch Doctors) or Kirats.

ii)Idiophones

Tah

The word 'Tah' comes from ' Tala ' which is derived from 'Tandava' and 'Lasya'. Tah controls Tandava and Lasya of Music. It controls whole rythm of music. Tah is considered as the principle musical instruments among all Newar musical instruments. Tah, apair os thicker cymbal, is made of Asta Dhatu (an alloy of eight holy metals). It accompanies Dhah, Dapha Khin, Paschima, Koncha Khin, Naya Khin (when played as Gunla Bajab) and others.

Baboocha

It is thinner than Tah; however, it is bigger in size. It is also made of Asta Dhatu. It accompanies Dapha Khin, Pachima, Koncha Khin, Dholak and others.

Chhusyah

Also known as Sichhya, Chhusyah resembles Baboocha but is bigger in size. It accompanies Naya Khin, Nagara and others.

TainNain

TainNain is a gong; it is played by striking with a stick. It accompanies Dhimay.

TiniMuni

It is a percussion instrument consisting of a steel rod bent in the shape rod a triangle. It is played by striking with another steel rod. It is played in Dhalcha Bhajans.

Gan

Gan or a bell plays a vital role in ceremonial worships such as Shradh, Janko, Ihi and so on. There are various types of bells in practice: Big, Small, Wind bell, Bajra Ghanta, for instance.

iii)Chordophones

Piwancha

Piwancha is two or three stringed instrument. It is especially played by jyapu (Newar farmer). Unfortunately, it has been extinct.

iv)Aerophones

Muhali

Muhali is a conical bore shawm, which is played only by Jugi (Kusle) caste.

Jugis are given Khanki (land) for playing Muhali in various occasions. There is a tradition to play Muhali everyday in Phalchas, i.e. roofed rest places, which tradition is also known as Siwa Yayegu. Muhali accompanies Dhah, Dapha Khin, Paschima, Nagara and others. Muhali solo is played in Digu Puja.

Bansuri (Flute)

Bansuri is a woodwind instrument which accompanies mainly Paschima, Dapha Khin or Koncha Khin. Basuri are of three kinds: Ghor, Majhawala and Teep, producing low, middle and high tones.

Baya

Baya resembles Bansuri but they are different in construction and playing techniques. Baya accompanies mainly Koncha Khin. Koncha Khin and Baya are played in marriage procession.

Ponga

Also known as Payantah, Ponga is a long wind instrument made of brass. Pongas are made by Tamoh or Tamrakar (Newar Coppersmith). It accompanies Kwatah Khin and it is also played in Bhailah Pyakhan (Bhairab Dance).

Kaha

Kaha resembles Ponga. It is also known as Indra Baja and it is believed to be invented at the time of Manju Shree. It is played with Naya Khin In many festivals nd also playd in funeral processions. There is a typical caste, called Kabuja, who play Kaha.

Nekoo

Nekoo or horn instrument is the oldest form of musical instruments in the globe. It is played during Gunla month. There are various types of Nekoo, Chatti Nekoo, Thika Nekoo, for instance.

Sankha

Sankha or konch is an ancient instrument. Playing of Sankha indicates starting of any new work. Sankha is played in 'MahGhah Wonegu' in dec-jan month. It is also played in different worships.

Musical Composition and combination of Nau Baja :   

 As mentioned earlier though Nau Baja is a combination of Nine different Tha Bajas it also uses other sub bajas (Dhatu Baja) to give unique melody and composition. This doesn’t mean that those sub bajas are played through out the time of playing Nau Baja they are used with specific Tha baja in specific notes to balance composition as :

·         While playing Dha or Kot – along with Pona Sichha and Bhuchha is also played.

·         While playing Dhacha – Muhali and Sichha is played.

·         While playing Dhime – Muhali, Sichha and Pona at the end is played.

·         While playing Nya Khing – Muhali, Pona and Sichha is played.

·         While playing Pachima, Dholak and Nagara – Muhali and Sichha is played.

·         While Playing KoKhhing – Byachha and Sichha is played.

Whereas Ta is played compulsorily and Khwolimali is also played as per the requirements.

1.2.2 Major  Notes of Nau Baja :

SN	Instruments	Notes
1	Dha	Taa Taa Taa Dhe Taa Taa Dhe Na Dhe
2	Kot	Taa Kha Ti Taa Khati Taa Dhen Na Dhen
3	Dhancha	Taka Dhu Na Kha Tha Taa Ka Dhuna Khati Taa
4	Dhime	Dha Drukh Taka Dha  Drukh Taka Dha Dha
5	Nya Khing	Dan Pa Dan Pa Daa Pa Da Na Pa Daa
6	Dhalak	Dha Drukh Tha – 3 Ta Drukh Taa Ka
7	Pachima	Ta Ti Dha Taa Ti Dha Dha
8	Kokhhing	Ta Kha Ta Ti Ta Kha Ta Ti
9	Nagara	Taa Dhe Naa, Dhena Dhena Taa Dhena Dhena Dhena

 Musical Forms Played in Nau Baja :

The various forms of musical compositions played in different Jatras and time are very similar with the climate and theme of the those Jatras. For example in Jatras like Pasa Charye and Bisket Nau Baja is played in Ghatu rhythm, and the Holi rhythm is played during Falgun Month. As these all the rhythm and forms of musical composition of Nau Baja is different in all seasons and Jatras/ Festivals of Newar Community. Some of the formations are as follows:

·         In Pasa Charye and Bisket Nau Baja is played Ghatu rhythm in the following formation:

‘…….. Thathi Jagu Ras Rang Tol Tawa Ram Han………’

·         At the time of cultivation of Newars in the Kathmandu Valley Sinajya Rhythm is used in following formation:

‘ Gopal Na Pane Mata Thani Sinajya Bane Nhya…..’

·         In the Spring season Basanta music is played with the feel of colors and beauty in the Chalti and Pratal rhythm :

‘ Shyam Sundar Basanta Balas Radha Wo Mhytal Banaa Vo..’

To play Nau Baja in fully it generally takes about 1hrs to 1 and half hrs however it can also be played in less time without repeating the instruments. At the beginning of playing Dha Lhayeu (offering to god) and at the end Aarati (lighting) is compulsory. This also shows the religious importance of Nau Baja and its space in Newari Culture.