National Anthem of Nepal

Today, i am writing my post about national anthem. With this article, i will try to cover the followings queries as

• what is national anthem?
• How and when did the concept of national anthem develop?
• what is the importance and purpose of national anthem?
• The languages used to write or sing national anthem?
• who are the creator of national anthem? and of course, our old and current national anthems from Nepal will be posted here.

Let’s get started!

what is national anthem? 

A national anthem is a patriotic song or musical composition which  is either recognized officially by constitution or is accepted by convention through popular uses.

National Anthems  have been sung for hundreds of years, inspired patriots and rebels, armies and athletes. Has its own story. And yet most of us might know nothing about them … until now.

How and When Did the Concept of a National Anthem Develop?

The concept of a national anthem was first popularized in 19th century Europe. The Wilhelmus, the national anthem of the Netherlands, is the world’s oldest national anthem that was written during the time of the Dutch Revolt between 1568 and 1572.

The Spanish national anthem, the Marcha Real, was written in 1761

The national anthem of the UK was first performed under the title “God Save the King” in 1619.

The Kimigayo, the national anthem of Japan, has the oldest lyrics (derived from poetry) of any national anthem.  The music of the anthem was composed only in 1880.

Rastriya Gaan had been adopted in 1962 in Nepal. It was the national anthem of the Kingdom of Nepal until May 19, 2006.  After the overthrown of the monarchy, it was proposed by Sayaun Thunga Phool Ka on August 3, 2007 and officially approved on 20 April 2007.

First national anthem of Nepal

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Nepalese Lyrics

श्रीमान् गम्भीर नेपाली
प्रचण्ड प्रतापी भूपति।
श्री ५ सरकार महाराजाधिराजको
सदा रहोस् उन्नति।
राखुन् चिरायु ईशले
प्रजा फैलियोस्।
पुकारौ जय प्रेमले
हामी नेपाली साराले।

English translation
May glory crown you, courageous Sovereign,
You, the gallant Nepalese,
Shri Pānch Māhārājādhirāja, our glorious ruler,
May he live for many years to come,
And may the number of his subjects increase,
Let every Nepalese sing this with joy

After the April movement for democracy, the century-old national anthem was suspended by the Interim legislature of Nepal in August 2007.

Current national anthem of Nepal

Nepalese Lyrics सयौं थुँगा फूलका हामी, एउटै माला नेपाली सार्वभौम भै फैलिएका, मेची-महाकाली।2 प्रकृतिका कोटी-कोटी सम्पदाको आंचल वीरहरूका रगतले, स्वतन्त्र र अटल। ज्ञानभूमि, शान्तिभूमि तराई, पहाड, हिमाल अखण्ड यो प्यारो हाम्रो मातृभूमि नेपाल। बहुल जाति, भाषा, धर्म, संस्कृति छन् विशाल अग्रगामी राष्ट्र हाम्रो, जय जय नेपाल।

Latin transcription sayaũ thũgā phūlkā hāmī, euṭai mālā nepālī Sārvabhaum bhai phailiekā, Mecī-Mahākālī Prakṛtikā koṭī-koṭī sampadāko ā̃cala, Vīrharūkā ragatale, svatantra ra aṭala Jñānabhūmi, shāntibhūmi Tarāī, pahāḍ, himāla Akhaṇḍa yo pyāro hāmro mātṛbhūmi Nepāla Bahul jāti, bhāshā, dharma, sãskṛti chan vishāla Agragāmī rāshṭra hāmro, jaya jaya Nepāla!

English translation Woven from hundred flowers, we are garland Nepali Sovereignty extended from Mechi to Mahakali Millions of natural beauties, history like a shawl Bloods of the braves make it free and immortal Land of peace, knowledge in the plains, hills and mountains One-piece beloved country, motherland Nepal Races, languages, religions, cultures incredible Progressive nation, I salute Nepal-aa

The  true essence of the national anthem would be:
“We Nepalese, from different lingual, racial, religious or cultural background are the individual flower of a whole garland of the Nepali race. We have been always sovereign and we are spread out from our territories of Mechi to Mahakali.
Blessed with Nature’s millions gifts; blessed by the blood sacrificed by our Heroes, we are independent and are immovable – standing still with pride.
Nepal – the land where knowledge shines, the peaceful nation consisting of Terai, Hills, and Mountains – is indivisible. It is our beloved motherland and we shall preserve its sovereignty at any cost.
A melting pot of diverse races, numerous languages, and religions, Nepal is rich in its large diverse culture. We are a progressive people of the progressive nation and we don’t look back – Jai Nepal!”

The importance of National anthem

The national anthem, like other national symbols of a country, represents the tradition, history, and beliefs of a nation and its people and reminds them of their nation’s glory, beauty, and rich heritage. It helps to unite the citizens of the country by one single song.

Our national anthem is simply admits praising Nepali sovereignty, unity, courage, pride, scenic beauty, progress, peace, cultural & biological diversity, and respect.

The purpose of National Anthem

It  stirs feelings of patriotism and pride among citizens.  It reflects the history, struggles, and traditions of a nation and its people and serves as an expression of national identity.

The languages used to write or sing national anthem

Mostly, national anthems written in the country’s official languages that represent the majority of the people. Our national anthem is in Nepalese Language (Mother Tongue).

Creator of National anthem

The creators of national anthems are great people. The lyrics and musician may varies.

Fort the fisrt Rastriya Gaan in 1962, the music composed by Bakhat Bahadur Budhapirthi in 1899 and the lyrics written by Chakra Pani Chalise in 1924, as a homage to the Nepalese Sovereign and the country’s national anthem.

Whereas, after the April movement for democracy, the century-old national anthem was suspended by the Interim legislature of Nepal in August 2007. It was replaced by the current anthem, Sayaun Thunga Phool Ka in 3 August 2007.

Officially declared as the national anthem of Nepal on August 3, 2007 by the speaker of the interim parliament, Mr. Subash Chandra Nembang.

Importantly,  the lyrics of the National Anthem was written by the poet Pradeep Kumar Rai, alias Byakul Maila. The music was composed by late Amber Gurung  and approved on 20 April 2007.

Ref. Source: Republic or Death!: Travels in Search of National Anthems by Alex Marshall, wikiIPFS, wiki and world atlas