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Panchari Melam is a percussion ensemble, performed during temple festivals in Kerala, India. 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, 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 is also traditionally performed, albeit with a touch of subtle regional difference, in north Kerala (Malabar) and south-central Kerala (Kochi). Of late, its charm has led to its performance even in temples in Kerala's deep south.
Panchari is a six-beat thaalam (taal) with equivalents like Roopakam in south Indian Carnatic music and Daadra in the northern Hindustani classical.
Another Chenda Melam which comes close to Panchari in prominence and grammatical soundness, is Pandi Melam, performed outside temple precincts in general. Other Chenda Melams, though less popular, are Chempata, Adanta, Anchatanta, Dhruvam, Chempha, Navam, Kalpam and Ekadasam. 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.
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).
The ensemble starts at the main entrance to the inner part of the temple, slowly circling the shrine clockwise while playing. A panchari melam has five stages, each of them based on beats totalling 96, 48, 24, 12 and 6 respectively. The first phase of the Panchari Melam, also called the "Pathikaalam" stands out for its unique blend of percussion and notes from the Kuzhal. The crescendo rises higher with each phase, eventually culminating in the fifth phase with a 6-beat cycle. 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 Melam thus starts with a broad base, and progresses completing the pyramid structure, culminating at the apex.
The semi-circular procession, with caparisoned elephants (totalling anywhere from three up to fifteen), is led by the deity of the temple carried by the male elephant in the centre. (Ritualistically the idol is carried by the Namboodiri priest himself). The deity is kept facing the musical ensemble and devotees/Melam buffs, with the latter surrounding the musicians and following the progress of the melam.