"Chyabrung" Nepali folk cultural instrument (introduction)

 Chyabrung

The Chyabrung also Kay/Ke in Limbu language is a traditional drum of the Limbu community in NepalSikkimDarjeeling hills and North-East India.The Chyabrung is a hollow oblong wooden drum about a two meters in diameter and two feet in length. The drum is strung around the neck with a cord at stomach height and played during auspicious festivals Chasok Tangnam of the Limbu community.



The Chyabrung has two openings on either ends, each end being tightly stretched by cow and bull/cow skin: on the right and left ends respectively. The face covered by cow skin produces a sharp, treble tone whilst the face covered by bull/cow skin produces a flat, bass sound.

The cow skin face is called huksagay and is played with the palm of the hand the bull/cow side is called singsagay and played with a stick called kay chhari. The Limbus whilst playing the Chyabrung perform the Chyabrung Dance during the festivals of Kelangma and Yalakma (Dhan Naach or rice harvest dance). The only music to the dance is the rhythmic beating of the Chyabrung and dancers execute synchronized and complicated foot work depicting graceful movements of wild animals and birds.




In the Limbu community, chabrong is played and danced in different lakes / rhythms / vakas on the occasion of weddings, banquets, various programs etc. At such times chabrung is played with zyamta.

Post a Comment

0 Comments