Kutumba is a folk instrumental ensemble committed to the research, preservation and celebration of the diversity that exists in indigenous Nepali music. The word ‘Kutumba’ holds a special meaning in the Nepali language. It stands for a unique bond amongst community members. As their name, Kutumba is all about bringing together traditional folk tunes and instruments with new and improvised sounds and ideas. Kutumba is a folk instrumental ensemble, group of six professionals from Kathmandu. Having come together for the preservation of their culture and art, Kutumba wishes to spread love and joy of Nepali folk music throughout the world. Self motivated and self driven, Kutumba is a group with their own unique sound and vision.The seven members have different roots and backgrounds in music. Kutumba is the harmony of traditional roots, culture and new sounds
The sarangi belongs to the Gandharva caste and was traditionally used as a storytelling instrument. It is a four-string instrument that usually produces C, C and G, G notes and is played with a bow. The structure of a Sarangi is very interesting; it has got no fret boards or fingering frets- notes are changed by putting fingers in-between the strings and shortening the length of vibrations. It has no joints and traditionally the body is carved out of a single block of Khhira wood, but is often replaced these days by Saaj wood. A wooden key is used to tune the strings and a small piece of wooden block is used as a bridge on top of the skin piece. The traditional horsetail bow is often replaced by a nylon bow now.
It is believed that the instrument Arbajo was handed down by Saint Bhrama Bharat to human beings in the Satya Yug. Back then the instrument was used to deliver messages from one place to another. The Arbajo is similar to a Guitar but slightly smaller in size. It is regarded as tshe male partner of the Sarangi and is played in consortium to produce balanced harmony. It consists of four strings that are used to produce rhythmic sounds.