Thayambaka

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Chenda Players

Tayambaka is a type of solo chenda performance practiced in Kerala, India. It consists of an improvised performance on chenda accompanied by itantala (treble) and valanthala (bass) chendas and ilatalam cymbals.^[1] Apart from playing improvisational and compositional elements the solo artist leads the other players, who have to support him in every respect. The constantly changing tempo makes this task very difficult for the accompanists.

Like panchavadyam, tayambaka is widely performed outside the temples. In a kshetram ritual context tayambaka is performed at the annual festivals during the diparadhana sunset ritual, after the deity is brought out of the inner shrine. The performance, lasting between 60 and 90 minutes, is regarded as an offering to the goddess. Tayambaka connoisseurs are assembled around the ensemble and watch every movement of the chenda players with critical distance.