For the culmination of the fifth phase, a unique 3-beat cycle called 'Muri-Panchari' is also employed to take the Melam to an apt conclusion. The crescendo rises higher with each phase, eventually culminating in the fifth phase with a 6-beat cycle. The first phase of the Panchari Melam, also called the 'Pathikaalam' stands out for its unique blend of percussion and notes from the Kuzhal. A panchari melam has five stages, each of them based on beats totalling 96, 48, 24, 12 and 6 respectively. The ensemble starts at the main entrance to the inner part of the temple, slowly circling the shrine clockwise while playing. Panchari Melam is performed either in its elaborate form (during annual temple festivals) or in its sketchy detail (to accompany the daily or weekly temple rituals). Though there are expressional differences between the Panchari and the above-mentioned Melams (other than Pandi), the description of the former is prototypical for the rest of them. Other Chenda Melams, though less popular, are Chempata, Adanta, Anchatanta, Dhruvam, Chempha, Navam, Kalpam and Ekadasam. Panchari is a six-beat thaalam ( taal) with equivalents like Roopakam in south Indian Carnatic music and Daadra in the northern Hindustani classical.Īnother Chenda Melam which comes close to Panchari in prominence and grammatical soundness, is Pandi Melam, performed outside temple precincts in general. Of late, its charm has led to its performance even in temples in Kerala's deep south. Panchari is also traditionally performed, albeit with a touch of subtle regional difference, in north Kerala (Malabar) and south-central Kerala (Kochi). Panchari Melam, comprising instruments like Chenda, Ilathalam, Kombu and Kuzhal, is performed during many temple festivals in central Kerala, where it is presented in arguably the most classical manner.

Panchari Melam (or simply panchari), is one of the major forms of Chenda Melam (ethnic drum ensemble), and is the best-known and most popular in the kshetram vadyam (temple percussion) genre. Panchari Melam is a percussion ensemble, performed during temple festivals in Kerala, India.

Melam at Tripunithura Poornathrayeesa Temple

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