The kanjira, khanjira, khanjiri or ganjira, a South Indian frame drum, is an instrument of the tambourine family.

The Kanjira's emergence in South Indian Carnatic music, as well as the development of the modern form of the instrument, is credited to Manpoondia Pillai.

He modified the kanjira to a frame drum with a single pair of jingles and brought the instrument to a classical stage.

[5] The frame has a single slit which contain three to four small metal discs (often old coins) that jingle when the kanjira is played.

To get a good bass sound, the performer reduces the tension of the drumhead by sprinkling water on the inside of the instrument.

Performers typically carry a couple of kanjiras so that they can keep at least one in perfectly tuned condition at any given time.

The event includes dancers dancing in pairs while Chudka hymns are sung by the musicians and audience.