Music is an excellent expression of human consciousness. It is an art of presenting joy, pain, anger, and dissatisfaction in a heartfelt manner, combining rhythm and melody in an artistic way. Therefore, music is synonymous with human art and beauty. However, not only from an individual's perspective but also within the collective community, if there is a community where singing, playing music, or listening to music has been an established cultural tradition, then among them, one such community is the Newar!
Musical instruments are the foundation for attractive and artistic presentation. Similarly, even in prehistoric times, humans used rhythm and melody as a medium for transmitting and conveying messages. Today's instruments are an advanced form of this. However, what is unique is that Newars did not just play instruments for rhythm and melody or as a means of entertainment. They adopted instruments as an indispensable tool for time, weather, festivals, processions, and performing human rituals. Thus, instruments became a major medium for understanding Newar culture and festivals. Surprisingly, it was not instruments for humans, but humans for instruments. As such,To keep the instruments alive, Newars established *akha* (music houses/schools) and *guthi* (social organizations). They also arranged for the necessary resources. This is how the difference or distinctiveness between other communities and Newars became evident.
If it's just for entertainment, people can act in any way. The purpose of drama for Newars is not like that. Each play certainly has a secular or supernatural story, but the aim of bringing it to life on stage is to convey messages of ideals, values, beliefs, and philosophy of life for society. Along with this, each play and performer also has a profound meaning in terms of the emotions, gestures, art, rhythm, movements, and background music used to bring them to life. Similarly, attire, ornaments, and props also hold various significance.
Open-air stages built across every locality, square, and alley were used for plays. However, the skilled Newar ancestors, By erecting such well-organized and attractive physical structures, keeping public convenience in mind for entertainment, made it a matter of pride not just for Newars but for the entire nation of Nepal.
