Nepaliko Chatima Himali Chaya
by Prakash Shrestha, Lochan Bhattarai, Sapana Shree
"Nepali Ko Chhatima" (नेपालीको छातीमा) is an iconic, deeply revered patriotic Nepali song that celebrates national identity, unity, and the timeless natural beauty of Nepal. Released on July 14, 1999, by the prominent record label Music Nepal as part of the celebrated collective album Gauchha Geet Nepali, the track features masterfully blended vocals by legendary playback singers Prakash Shrestha and Lochan Bhattarai, alongside contributions from artists like Ramlal Joshi, Laxman Lohani, Yam Baral, and Sapana Shree. Musically structured as a stirring national hymn, its composition couples traditional orchestral arrangements with memorably sweet, uplifting melodic lines that evoke deep emotional reverence and a sense of shared belonging among the global Nepali diaspora.
The song weaves a vivid poetic tapestry of Nepal's historical pride and geographic wonders. The introductory refrain, "Nepali ko chhatima himali chhaya chha, Nepali lai Nepal ko bichhattai maya chha", translates to a declaration that the shadow of the Himalayas rests permanently in the hearts of Nepalis, who harbor an extraordinary love for their homeland. The verses invoke legendary figures like King Janak and Gautam Buddha to honor the country's ancient spiritual roots, pay a solemn tribute to the blood of brave soldiers (Veer) who protected the land, and paint a picturesque scene of continuous, sacred major rivers like the Koshi, Kali, Gandaki, and Karnali flowing gracefully across the terrain. Generations later, the track remains a standard anthem performed across educational institutions, cultural festivals, and national holiday programs
नेपालीको छातीमा हिमाली छायाँ छ
नेपालीलाई नेपालको बिछट्टै माया छ
नेपालीको छातीमा हिमाली छायाँ छ
नेपालीलाई नेपालको बिछट्टै माया छ
नेपालीको छातीमा
जनक जन्मे यही देशमा बुद्ध जन्मे ज्ञानी
जनक जन्मे यही देशमा बुद्ध जन्मे ज्ञानी
बीरहरूको रगतले सिंचिएकी रानी
हिमालको पानीले हरियो पारेकी
प्रीति फुल्ने देशलाई को जाला बिर्सेर
को जाला बिर्सेर
नेपालीको छातीमा हिमाली छायाँ छ
नेपालीलाई नेपालको बिछट्टै माया छ
नेपालीलाई नेपालको बिछट्टै माया छ
नेपालीको छातीमा
हिमालको आँखामा नेपाल छुप्दैन
हिमालको आँखामा नेपाल छुप्दैन
प्रकृतिले यसलाई सिंगार्न चुक्दैन
कोशी, काली गण्डकी, कर्णाली बग्दछन्
अबिरल पवित्र सन्देश बोकेर
सन्देश बोकेर
नेपालीको छातीमा हिमाली छायाँ छ
नेपालीलाई नेपालको बिछट्टै माया छ
नेपालीको छातीमा हिमाली छायाँ छ
नेपालीलाई नेपालको बिछट्टै माया छ
