Handmade Dhimay Drum (धिमे) | Authentic Traditional Newar Drum from Nepal

About this instrument

The Dhimay (धिमे) is a traditional double-headed hand drum central to Newar musical culture in Nepal. Larger than the Madal, it produces a powerful, resonant bass tone that fills festival grounds, temple courtyards, and ceremonial processions with an unmistakable sonic presence.

Bring the heartbeat of Newar culture to life with the Dhimay, a traditional drum deeply rooted in the musical and spiritual traditions of Nepal. Known for its deep, resonant sound, the Dhimay is an essential part of Newar festivals, processions, and cultural ceremonies.

This handmade product is expertly crafted by skilled artisans using natural materials like wood, leather, and metal. The drum’s large size, paired with its powerful tone, makes it a centerpiece in traditional ensembles and community celebrations. Played with a curved stick on one side and the palm on the other, the Dhimay produces dynamic rhythms that symbolize unity, ritual, and cultural pride.

At Swodeshi, we celebrate authentic Nepali metalcraft and musical heritage by offering traditionally crafted Dhimay drums that not only sound powerful but also preserve the soul of Newar artistry.

Why customers choose the Dhimay

Authentic Deep Tone

Produces a powerful bass resonance that carries across open festival spaces and temple grounds.

100% Handmade

Every drum is crafted by skilled Nepali artisans preserving centuries-old construction techniques.

Natural Materials

Wood, leather, and metal sourced traditionally — contributing to tone quality and longevity.

Cultural Heritage

Supports indigenous Newar craftsmanship and keeps a living musical tradition alive.

Quick facts

Origin – Nepal (Newar)

Construction – Wood, Leather, Metal

Type – Double-headed drum

Playing style – Stick + palm

Made by – Local Nepali artisans

Certification – Authentic handmade

Specifications

Instrument type	Double-headed hand drum (Dhimay / धिमे)
Primary material	Wood (body)
Drum head material	Natural leather
Hardware	Metal components (rings, tensioners)
Size	Larger than Madal – traditional proportions
Playing technique	Curved stick (one side) + palm (other side)
Sound character	Deep, resonant, high-volume bass
Origin	Nepal – Newar community tradition
Made by	Local Nepali artisans (handmade)
Suitable for	Festivals, rituals, performances, display
Seller	Swodeshi (swodeshi.com)

Features in detail

Double-Headed Leather Drum Skins

Natural leather drum heads are hand-tensioned for optimal tonal response. Each side produces a slightly different timbre — the stick side gives a sharp attack while the palm side produces a warm, muted resonance, enabling the rhythmic contrasts essential to Newar percussion ensembles.

Solid Wood Body

The wooden barrel body is shaped to amplify and project sound, giving the Dhimay its characteristic depth and volume. The hollowed chamber creates natural resonance that carries across large outdoor festival spaces without amplification.

Metal Tensioning Hardware

Metal rings and traditional rope tensioning hardware secure the drum heads and allow fine-tuning of pitch and resonance — a technique refined over generations of Newar drum makers.

Curved Playing Stick Included

The curved stick (traditionally used on one face) is designed for the specific striking angle needed to produce the Dhimay’s characteristic rhythmic pattern, making this instrument ready to play from the moment it arrives.

Perfect for

The Dhimay is an essential instrument across a wide range of traditional Newar contexts — and increasingly sought by collectors, musicians, and cultural institutions worldwide.

Indra Jatra & Newar festivals

Temple ceremonies & rituals

Cultural processions

Community celebrations

Music students & educators

World music performers

Collectors & cultural enthusiasts

Cultural institutions & museums

How the Dhimay compares

Feature	Swodeshi Dhimay	Generic hand drum
Authentic Newar origin	✓ Yes	✗ No
Handmade by artisans	✓ Yes	✗ Machine made
Natural leather drum skin	✓ Yes	Varies
Deep ceremonial resonance	✓ Yes	✗ Limited
Traditional rope tensioning	✓ Yes	✗ No
Supports local economy	✓ Yes	✗ No
Curved stick included	✓ Yes	Rarely
Cultural heritage value	✓ High	✗ None

Shipping & returns

Delivery within Nepal

Free standard shipping to all major cities. Delivery in 3–5 business days. Express options available at checkout.

International shipping

We ship worldwide. International rates calculated at checkout. Items carefully packed to protect the drum in transit.

30-day return policy

Not satisfied? Return within 30 days of delivery for a full refund, provided the instrument is in original condition.

Protected packaging

Each Dhimay is wrapped in traditional cloth and packed with foam inserts to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.