PANCHAVADYAM

Panchavadyam, literally meaning an orchestra of five instruments, is basically a temple art form that has evolved in Kerala Of the five instruments, four -- timila, maddalam, ilathalamand idakka -- belong to the percussion category, while the fifth one, kombu, is a wind instrument. Much like any chenda melam, panchavadyam too is characterised by a pyramid-like rhythmic structure—with a constantly increasing tempo coupled with a proportional decrease in the number of beats in cycles

                                There are several central and northern Kerala temples that have been traditionally playing host to major pachavadyam performances. Prominent festivals featuring them are Thrissur Pooram (its renowned Panchavadyam event is known as 'Madhathil Varavu'), Kaladi Panchavadyam ulsavam, Machattu Thiruvanikkavu vela etc..