Singing bowls are commonly known as Tibetan healing bowls, Tibetan singing bowls, Tibetan meditational bowls, and Himalayan singing bowls. The exact history of singing bowls in Nepal is still mystery. However, many people believes that singing bowls originated from Tibet because of their name; however, this is not entirely true. In fact, singing bowls are basically originated form Nepal and Eastern India. Singing bowls are the most ancient and has a mysterious past. The exact date of their creation is uncertain, however some experts speculates that it might have been discovered during the 7th to 8th centuries. Moreover, singing bowls are only things created by human beings that can produce both vibration and sound and have therapeutic properties. As a result, they are used for sound healing. Surprisingly, the name “singing bowls” did not come from the past. In the past, these bowls were simply called “bati” or “bowls.” But when curious tourists asked locals what these bowls were for and what made them special, a local artist (Jit Bahadur Shahi) had an idea while thinking about how they sounded. He told the tourists that these bowls “sing” when they are rimmed or hit. So, they were given the name “singing bowls,” which describes their unique sound. So, the term singing bowls was introduced by Jit Bahadur Shahi. 

These singing bowls are traditionally made by blending different metals (seven sacred metals) like tin, mercury, copper, gold, silver, lead, and iron. These bowls were considered as hidden treasures and have been used in Nepal for generations. So, when you see or hear a singing bowl today, you’re actually touching a piece of history that’s been passed down through generations.

Moreover, if you look at the history, the first singing bowl were made from pure copper which can be used for both medicinal and musical purposes. The artisans used to produce it inside their homes so, the knowledge about using this metal work was passed on from generation to generation. Eventually, the process of sharing this knowledge generation to generation was disturbed and then singing bowls started to be made from brass (combination of different earth metals including copper). There is an anecdotal believe that brass singing bowls are around 2000 years old and have appeared mostly in the regions of Nepal and Northern India at the beginning of the last century. In conclusion, these old instruments like singing bowl is creating a link between the past and present. They are just like the singing time travellers carrying the tune of custom and peace among us.