Today, we will see one of the different forms of Melams performed using Chenda, which is the Panchari Melam. This is a percussion ensemble normally performed during various temple festivals in Kerala. This on its elaborate form, could extend up to 3 hours and more. Here we will see only the first Kaalam, which is the Pathi Kaalam.
In Carnatic Music, we have the Roopaka Thalam (Taal or Beat) having six beats. Panchari is also a six-beat Thalam. The Panchari Melam represents “Sattva Guna” and therefore suitable for playing inside the temple premises.
There are five stages for Panchari Melam with beats totalling to 96, 48, 24, 12 and 6. The first of it is the Pathi Kalam. This is played on the Uruttu Chenda and accompanied by Veekku Chenda, Kuzhal, Kompu and Elathalam (Edathalam).
Leading Artists
The Leading Artists performing Panchari Melam – to list a few, are like
- Peruvanam Kuttan Marar
- Mattannur Shankarankutty Marar
- Kelath Aravindan Marar
- Cheranellur Shankarankutty Marar
- Kizhakoot Aniyan Marar
- Kelath Aravindan Marar
The Panchari Melam in this video is performed by Shri Cheranellur Shankarankutty Marar and team at Puthiya Thrikovu Temple premises in Chendamangalam. Chendamangalam is my home town and the temple is managed by our family trust, the Paliam Trust.
