Mizhavu

Kerala has its individual heritage in instrumental music like Mizhavu and Panchavadyam. The distinct melody and rhythm of these musical instruments are used as accompaniments in different art forms of Kerala.

Mizhavu or Mizhav is a large drum made of copper or clay and is played as an accompanying percussion instrument in the famous ceremonial temple performances of Kerala- Koothu and Koodiyattam .It resembles a big jar and has a narrow mouth with a leather covering. This musical instrument is solely played with hands.

Mizhavu is considered as a sanctified entity and is thus treated as a "Brahmachari". Mizhavu is enthroned with absolute divinity and is an integral part of all the formal ceremonies like 'Annaprasanam', 'Namakaranam', and other customary Hindu rites. An orthodox edict also existed which stated that if the 'Mizhavu' became dented or damaged after a certain period then some solemn rites had to be observed. Mending and reusing this sacred instrument is forbidden. Only the traditional Ambalavasi Nambiar community, Chakkiyar and the Nangiars were entitled to play the Mizhavu inside the temples or Koothambalams.

Mizhavu is an indivisible part of Kutiyattam which is an ancient (2000 year old) enduring classical theatre of Kerala. The most famed and expert percussionist of this genre of music is P. K. Narayanan Nambiar. With the magical power of his fingers this adept connoisseur had entranced many audience of the Kutiyattam performance.

There have been new experimentations to synchronize the moves and gestures of the actors with the resonating music of Mizhavu music. The reverberating beat of the Mizhavu is still unparalleled when compared with the sonata of other percussion instruments.