 A traditional Parai (along with Tharai) | |
| Other names | Thappattai |
|---|---|
| Classification | Percussion instruments |
| Part of a series on |
| Musical instruments |
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Parai also known as Thappattai or Thappu is a traditional percussion instrument from South India. It is a traditional instrument used to make announcements and played during festivals, folk dances, weddings and functions. The instrument in played predominantly by Tamil people in Tamil Nadu and other regions with significant Tamil diaspora such as Sri Lanka. There are many variants of the instrument, but generally consists of a drum made of wood, open on one side and closed with a stretched animal hide on the other side along with two wooden sticks used for beating the drum.
The instrument finds mention in the Sangam literature and has been used by the ancient Tamil people. It is used as a part of parai attam, dance form. While Thappu was a similar instrument used by tribal people, with minor variations, the names were used interchangeably since late middle ages. It might be played along with Tharai, a woodwind instrument in folk dances and festivities or accompanied by other traditional instruments in rituals and functions.