Reviving Nepali Folk Music

Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, Nepal is a land rich in diverse cultures, where folk music echoes as a timeless representation of the nation’s spirit. As a profound form of expression, music has long played a significant role in shaping the demographics and politics of the region.

Event Overview

“Jamarko Jatra” is envisioned as a one-day folk music celebration that brings together artists from all seven provinces of Nepal to showcase their unique musical talents and cultural traditions. This free event is open to the public, offering attendees an authentic and captivating experience of Nepali music and cultural performances.

“Jamarko Jatra” continues a tradition of celebrating Nepali folk music through an annual festival, the only one of its kind. This year, the festival aims to scale up its reach by connecting hundreds of artists from across Nepal with the global music community. The event will bring together musicians, youth, the general public, stakeholders, and local governments to advocate for the preservation of Nepali folk music through art.

Despite its rich history, traditional Nepali music has often been overlooked, placing it at risk of fading into obscurity. Without concerted efforts to revitalize it, Nepali folk music could lose its place in the cultural mainstream.

Reintroducing folk music, while embracing all ethnic backgrounds, is a gateway to Nepal’s rich culture, heritage, and traditions. Today, it is more important than ever to not only introduce folk music to younger generations from all ethnicities but also to ensure its adaptation to contemporary popular culture, preserving its enduring appeal and relevance.

Each year, more than 4,000 people attend this program, with over 380 artists performing on a national platform, showcasing their indigenous traditional instruments.

GOALS

• Preserve Nepal’s Musical Heritage: Showcase traditional folk artists amidst the forces of modernization and globalization, promoting the country’s diverse musical traditions.
• Empower Folk Musicians: Create a platform for traditional Nepali music and instruments, supporting the empowerment and income generation of folk musicians, particularly those from marginalized and indigenous communities in Nepal.

MISSION

• Uncover Hidden Musical Treasures: Serve as a gateway to discover lesser-known folk artists from remote corners of Nepal, providing them with a platform to share their talents.
• Advocate for Conservation: Advocate for increased government support in the conservation of traditional Nepali music by bridging the gap between musicians and government authorities.
• Collaborate for Cultural Conservation: Work with the National Tourism Board and local governments to prioritize the conservation of music and culture as part of Nepal’s national agenda.
• Foster Unity through Music: Bridge cultural divides and foster unity and understanding through music, promoting a sense of shared humanity among artists from diverse backgrounds.
• Promote Inclusivity and Diversity: Challenge patriarchal stereotypes by celebrating the involvement of female musicians in folk Nepali music, promoting inclusivity and diversity within the musical community.

“Jamarko Jatra” stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting Nepali folk music, ensuring that its rich heritage continues to resonate through generations to come.