Udakkai

Udukku is again a double headed percussion instrument belonging to the Membranophone family. It is an instrument of Tamil origin, similar to Damaru and Idakka. Udukku is slightly larger than Damaru but smaller than Idakka. It has an hour-glass shape. It is used in Kerala, Tamilnadu and eastern parts of Sri Lanka. Udukku normally is played in folk culture or sometimes along with some temple rituals. It is also known as Udakkai The Udukku is about 10 inches long with 6 to 8 inches of diameter at the ends and having a tapering (towards centre) body. A single hollow block of Jack wood tree is used in making the body of Udukku. Goat Skin leather is used to cover the ends of Udukku across its mouth. Hoops are placed on the edge of the body. Strings are used to tighten the skins. Udukku is played...