The Illanjithara Melam, The Great Symphony at Thrissur Pooram. , photo credit: KK Najeeb
Lakhs of people at Thrissur Pooram were mesmerized by the magic of the pulsating rhythms of the ensembles.
Madathil Varavu Panchavadyam, led by Kongad Madhu of Thiruvambadi and Ilanjithara Melam by Kizhakkuttu Aniyan Marar of Paramekkavu, are the most sought-after ensembles for Thrissur Pooram.
Each team consisted of hundreds of drummers and pipers. The instrumentalists, surrounded by millions of people, never deviated from the rhythm. The percussionists take great pride in creating the magic of a musical ensemble at Thrissur Pooram.
Tabla lovers were eagerly waiting for Ilanjithara Melam this year as there was a change at the top after 24 years. Tabla maestro Padma awardee Peruvanam Kuttan Marar was replaced by another experienced tabla maestro Kizhakkut Aniyan Marar.
The change in helm only added novelty to the Ilanjithara Melam, known as the great symphony of the world. Aniyan Marar is no newbie to Ilanjithara Melam. It is like homecoming for him. He was part of the Elanjithara Melam for 35 years before becoming the Melam head of Thiruvambadi Devaswom for the last 12 years.
Ilanjithara melam takes its name from the Ilanji tree in the Vadakkunnathan temple complex, under which the melam is performed. The Vadakkunnathan complex was packed to the brim on Sunday before the start of the fair. Those who could not enter the premises danced to the music outside.
The panchavadyam led by Kongad Madhu was like a grand feast. Percussion lovers saw the ensemble in record numbers. Hundreds of percussion lovers encouraged the drummers by waving their hands. From audience to connoisseurs, throngs of people enjoyed the performance of the instruments.