*** Series - Nepal - Final tribute ***

Drummers, Bhaktapur

Old Newar traditions remain in Bhaktapur. During festivals both older and younger men take part in processional drumming (dhimay drums and cymbals) in the narrow streets and squares of Bhaktapur.

"At festival time, a master-drummer leads nine different drums (navabaja). These are played , in a three-hour sequence of contrasting drum solos, accompanied by the shawms of the Jugi tailor musicians and interspersed with dapha songs.

Processional music of the farmers, bricklayers and potters is played during civic and family rituals. Among all the instrumental ensembles of Bhaktapur, only one single genre of processional music of the farmers (dhimaybaja) is still really popular among young men; one reason may be that they can attract the attention of the girls while playing their drums."

(Extract: Kathmandu University, Dept. of Music)