Ilanjithara Melam

Ilanjithara Melam is an assembly of percussion performance artists held at Ilanji (known as Bullet Wood tree Mimusops elengi) tree at the courtyard of the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur city during the Thrissur Pooram.

It is considered one of the best platforms for traditional Kerala music and the largest assembly of percussion artistes in any other Poorams.

There are 7 types of Melangal viz Panchari, Champa, Chempada, Adantha, Anchadatha, Druvam and Pandy.

In 2023, he replaced Peruvanam Kuttan Marar to become the lead performer (Pramani) of the Ilanjithara melam.

Kuzhoor Narayana Marar, another veteran percussionist, was also part of the Paramekkavu team for 41 years.

Peruvanam Kuttan Marar , leader of 'Chenda' group (1999-2022) of Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple performing at Thrissur Pooram
Ilanjithara where melam is performed, in the date of pooram