I do not remember my childhood very well. But I remember that I was someone who really loved traditional Nepali music and art since I was very young. I used to scream Nepali songs I would hear on the radio on top of my lungs, and attempt to make mandala art (a form of artwork most prevalent in the Newari community and originated in first century B.C.) with pencil.

I really loved the cheerful and familiar tone of Nepali songs and the intricate detailing in Nepali artworks. I used to be awestruck when I used to visit Nepali handicraft shops in Chhauni and Lazimpat due to their wide range of craft products, all of which were very minutely detailed and designed. The color combination in Nepali artworks was other thing which grabbed my attention. The artworks demonstrated very fine use of brush as well as a clever use of colors throughout the canvas. The presentation of contrast in the artwork and the overall sleekness of the art made it really appealing to me. I remember spending hours in Nepali art exhibitions trying to understand the details and perspective of the artist who created the artworks. I was never fulfilled looking at the wide range of artworks and always wanted to explore more and more.

But nowadays, Nepali music and artwork are losing its popularity. People are getting drawn more towards western music and artwork rather than our own Nepali creations. This has led Nepali traditional musicians and artists to lose their motivation to create such works of art. Art exhibitions in Nepal have also started to give preference to more modern form of artworks rather than traditional ones. Therefore, the prevalence of traditional Nepali artwork and artists is declining in the present age.

Nepali music and artworks are our identity as a Nepali citizen. They represent us globally and make us recognized. Moreover, it also attracts foreign visitors to visit Nepal to explore such artworks and creations. But with more people stepping away from Nepali artworks, the legacy of traditional Nepali artworks is at stake. It has started to become important to preserve our traditional artwork and continue our legacy of traditional music and art. Although transformation and modernization in every field is necessary, it is not a wise choice to deviate from the aspects which gives Nepali music and artwork its uniqueness. Therefore, it has become more important now then ever to preserve our traditional forms of art.

Published: 12/19/2023