Panchavadyam
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Panchavadyam is a classic performance of different musical instruments that are unique to Kerala state of south India, where five instruments are involved in a breathtaking-fastmoving percussion performance (Pancha in Sanskrit means five). The five instruments are Timila, Shudha Madhalam, Kombu, Edakka & Elathalam, Timila, Shudha Madhalam and Edakka are different types of drums. The Elathalam is a cymbal and the Kombu is a type of trumpet. Earlier, different instruments were used in Panchavadyam, but Thiruvilwamala Venkichan Swamy, Annamanada Peethambara Marar, Annamanada Achutha Marar, Annamanada Parameswara Marar and Pattarath SanKara Marar evolved the modern-day Panchavadyam with these five instruments and evolved a new structure.
Panchavadyam is performed during the festivals of the Temples in Kerala, mainly in Central Kerala. The most famous performance is that during the Thrissur Pooram, known as the "Madathil Varavu" Panchavadyam. It is performed by the Thiruvambadi Temple camp.
