We saw two forms of Chenda Melam – Panchari and Paandi – but here is another highly energetic and entertaining form the “Shinkari Melam”.
Shinkari melam differs from the other forms of Melams. In other forms, usually the artists are stationary in their own positions while playing the instruments. But in Shinkari Melam, the players keep moving and dancing in different styles while playing their instruments. This brings the viewers and listeners to dance to the tunes of the melam making it more energetic and involved. Compared to other forms, the progression of the Thala is more vibrant and fast.
Both men and lady troupes perform Shinkari Melam whereas the other forms are dominated by men. Like other forms, Shinkari Melam also can last for one to two hours of duration. A different size of Veekku Chenda is used by some teams to get deep bass whereas the Uruttu Chenda is the same like other forms. Cymbals are also used like other forms of Melam.
Let us watch one performance of Shinkari Melam. The full melam is not included in the video but the most enthralling and vibrant movements are shown.
