The rhythmic, haunting beats of parai , a traditional folk percussion instrument, resonated at an apartment complex in Koyambedu on Tuesday.
A group of seven artistes demonstrated their skills in playing the instrument, seeking the government’s help in popularising themusic during Pongal.
“This kind of music is no longer played only at funerals. In the past decade, there has been increased awareness and we are playing at temple festivals and for campaigns on education and agriculture,” says A.S. Mugilan, who runs a training school in folk arts at Kadalur village near Kalpakkam.
Women and students are also increasingly enthusiastic about learning the art form. “I was interested from the time I first heard the contagious beats. I try to balance programmes and studies,” says J. Tharun, a class XII student and one of the artistes.
Organised by Exnora International, the event highlighted the demand to recognise the parai as a national music instrument and also have it played at government functions. The organisation’s founder M.B. Nirmal says, “I realised the significance of this traditional instrument when a group of students from the U.S. visited me a few years ago for research on it. The government must consider observing Bhogi as ‘ Parai Day’.”
Exnora International plans to organise a parai music festival at Nehru Indoor Stadium on April 15 to popularise the music.
Students from the U.S. and Canada will participate.
