Pandimelam,
a traditional temple music
The Pandimelam is an orchestra of four
instruments - the Chenda, the Kuzhal, the Kombu and
the Ilathalam, played mainly in the major temple festivals
of Kerala like the Thrissur Pooram.
The Chenda is a hollow cylindrical instrument made
of soft wood with both ends covered with cowhide. It is the chief
accompaniment in Kathakali (the classical dance-drama of Kerala)
and the most important percussion instrument played during temple
festivals. The musical notes of this instrument are adjusted by
strings and small bamboo rings. The Chenda
is played by beating the upper end with sticks. Deft use of the
palms can produce four different tones.
Kuzhal literally means
a hollow pipe or tube. This wind instrument is the main accompaniment
to the Chenda during festivals and ritual processions.
Kombu, literally horn, is a C-shaped wind instrument
made of brass or copper. Its shrill blare helps in subduing the
pitch of the other instruments. Ilathalam is
a native version of the cymbals
Festivals
: Kerala is a land
of colourful festivals, which have a long history and tradition behind them.
Kerala's innumerable festivals however stand out because of their uniqueness.
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