Melam

Melam is a group of Maddalams and other similar percussion instruments' (Chenda) rhythmic performance. Those who play melam^[1] are called 'Melakaar'.^[2] In ancient Tamilakam (Tamil country)^[3] melam was used for all the occasions in temples (Kovil Melam, Naiyandi Melam,^[4] Urumi Melam),^[5] marriages (Ketti Melam), functions,^[6] funeral wake(Parai Melam). In Kerala the most traditional of all melams is the Pandi Melam, which is generally performed outside the temple. Another melam called the Panchari Melam, which is similar to Pandi Melam, but the Panchari Melam is played inside the temple.