Naumati Baja: The Tradition of Nine Musical Instruments in Nepali Folk Music

Eastern Himalaya region is a home to multiple ethnic groups and cultures. The socio-cultural study of these groups through ethnomusicological methodology will help in understanding some ethnic groups of this region. Nepali ethnic people are an important group residing in the Nepal, Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Utterkhand, states of North East India, even in Bhutan and the socio-cultural study of this group in identifying their ethnic identity through Intercultural Musicology will be an interesting exploration. Nepali culture is very prosperous in terms of folklore and folk music. The Nepali folk music is an indispensable factor of their ethnic identity. The tradition of ‘Naumati Baja’ is a unique feature of their folk culture. In this paper an attempt has been made to discuss the history, importance, relevance of ethnic musical tradition of Naumati Baja of Nepali ethnic people which is instrumental for their cultural and ethnic identity.