Pandimelam, a traditional temple music

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.