Mallari, The ceremonial temple processional music

Mallari is a traditional music played on Nadaswaram, the traditional wind instrument of south India, accompanied by Thavil, the double-headed drum, during the ceremonial procession of the temple deities. It is played in the raga Gambeera Nattai, set to a specific thalam. The ancient temples such as the ones in Thiruvarur, Srivilliputhur, and Chidambaram have their own unique Mallari tradition. Here’s a Mallari performed at Mayuranathar temple in Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, India.