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
kshetram vadyam (temple percussion) genre. Panchari melam, comprising instruments like chenda,
ilathalam,
kombu and
kuzhal, is performed during virtually every temple festival in central Kerala, where it is arguably presented in the most classical manner. Panchari, however, is also traditionally performed, with a touch of subtle regional difference, in north (Malabar) and south-central Kerala (Kochi). Of late, its charm has led to its performance even in deep-south Kerala temples.