The centuries old performing art forms of Nepal are connected with various religious, social and cultural lives of the Nepalese. Traditional folk and classical dance and music forms of Nepal are not only entertaining but also divinely soothing. Music, the heart throb of Nepal with dance is linked to every Nepali event like birth, marriage, festivals including National events. Different songs, musical instruments and dances are linked with various events of the Nepalese.

Music:
Nepali music includes traditional classical Newar and Khas music. Newari music includes percussion instruments, some wind instruments and no string instruments. All castes have their own melodious tunes and groups. There are certain tunes played for certain festivals, seasons and even at certain times of day. Related to Khas society, castes like Damai used to play many instruments like the Sarangi and even the Gaine on various occasions. Hippies in Kathmandu brought about Nepali Rock music. With time, rock music changed from early version to Punk and Metal.

Dance:
Mahakali and Lakhev are religiously famous dance forms of Nepal. The former is related to the story, Mahakali Mahalaxmi from the Puranas, Hindu religious books. Three Goddesses who are believed to protect all eight directions of Kathmandu have 84 ghost followers who had given them the mystic power to destroy the demons. A classical dance, Lakhev is performed during the Indrajatra festival. Lakhev are said to be demons, who feed on animals and humans and the dance symbolises victory over evil.

Painting:
Painting emerged as famous performing art forms in Nepal with illustrations made on manuscripts of palm leaf or rice paper. In 14th century, Thangkas, an important painting form done on cotton became popular among Buddhists in Nepal. Thangkas include themes like images of Buddhist figures, mandala designs, and the wheel of life design and scenes from religious stories.

Pottery:
Pottery in Nepal started with the tradition flourishing in Patan and Thimi, a locality near Bhaktapur. Most common form of pottery is terracotta oil lamps, used to light homes during Hindu festival of light called Dipawali. One can also find flower pots decorated with pictures of peacocks and elephants.

Sculpting:
Carved bronze figures representing religious deities or legendary figures appeared in Nepal in 8th century AD. Wax casting was frequently used that became part of the popular typical Nepal performing art forms. Images are embedded with semi-precious stones, corals, turquoise, or even gilded.