Aalu Dam Chana
by Shambhu Rai, Satyakala Rai
"Aaludam Chana" (also spelled "Aalu Dum Chana") is an iconic evergreen Nepali folk song (Purbeli Lok Geet) written, composed, and originally sung by legendary musician Shambhu Rai. Initially released in July 1988 under the album Shambhu Rai Ka Lok Geet, the song was famously recorded alongside singer Ushakiran Adhikari. Over the decades, it has been re-recorded in various popular versions, notably featuring prominent singers like Satyakala Rai and Laxmi Adhikari. Characterized by its traditional acoustic instruments—including the rhythmic beats of the Madal and the distinct melodies of the Sanai and Damaha—the track captures the soulful essence of eastern Nepal's folk culture. Fans can stream this timeless piece on digital platforms such as Spotify and YouTube Music.
Lyrically, the song takes the form of a playful and flirting musical dialogue (Dohori) between a young man and a young woman navigating the early stages of courtship. The title itself playfully references a popular regional snack ("Potato and Chickpea Curry"), using it as a lighthearted hook line to express affection and a desire to leave behind a sweet, lasting memory ("Aalu dam chana, lai rakha maya ni lai lai chhoto samjhana"). The back-and-forth lyrics seamlessly layer themes of traditional romantic teasing with scenic natural backdrops, making it a celebratory anthem often played at gatherings, festivals, and cultural events across Nepal
केटा: (आलुदम चना)२ (लाइराख माया नि लै लै छोटो सम्झना)२
केटी: (मादलु घुइँघुइँ)२ (नलाऊ है माया नि लै लै नआऊ है रुइँरुइँ)२
केटा: (सनाई पो बज्यो लै बरी भाका दमाहा कान्छी गजैले)२
गाई बाँध्ने डोरी कसकी हो छोरी लाऊ माया कान्छी रसैले
(सुपारी सस्तो)२ (शिरैमा तिम्रो नि लै लै जूनघामैजस्तो)२
केटी: (सल्लेरी वनमा साँझको वेला कोइली कान्छा कराउँछ)२
हेर्दामा डल्ले कालेमा काले कल्ले पो कान्छा पत्याउँछ
(माछी लेवैमा) (अर्काकी छोरी पो म त न आऊ है छेउमा)२
केटा: (आठ आना होइन, चार आना होइन, सुहाउँछ कान्छी रेजीको हारी)२
लाउली कान्छी फूलबुट्टे चोली टिमिक्कै कान्छी रेशमको सारी
(गाई चर्यो लेकमा)२ (के फिकर मान्छ्यौ नि लै लै पैसा छ वेगमा)२
केटी: (लेकैमा फूल्ने लालीमा गुराँस बेँसी त कान्छा खयरो)२
झन् पर जान्छु झन् वर आउँछौ के बिधी कान्छा हतेरो
(हवाईजहाज किरण)२ (घर सोध्दै आऊ है नि लै लै देउराली सिरान)२
दुवै: (खोरिया फाँडी कागुने छरी धेरै नै लै लै फलाऊँला)२
सम्मले गम्म भेट भयो जम्म घरबार लै लै बसाऊँला
(त्यो रातो माटो)२ (जाऊ अब घर नि लै लै छिरिलिङको बाटो)३
