Subhamuhurtham - Nadaswaram

Nādaswaram (also spelled nagaswaram) is a South Indian double-reed wind tradition built around one of the loudest non-brass acoustic instruments in the world. Closely tied to temple ritual, processions, and weddings, it renders the Carnatic (South Indian classical) repertoire in an outdoor, ceremonial setting. A typical ensemble features a lead nādaswaram, a supporting (side) nādaswaram or ottu (drone) nādaswaram, the barrel drum tavil, hand-cymbals, and a continuous drone (now often from a shruti box). The music is raga- and tala-based, favoring majestic ragas and vigorous tavil rhythms suited to processional movement. Signature pieces include the temple-processional Mallari, alongside varnams, kritis, ragam–tanam–pallavi variants, and lively tillanas.