A pallavi is a refrain in carnatic music.
It is the first part of any formal composition (Krithi) which has three segments – Pallavi, Anupallavi and Charanam (which can be one or more).
It is considered as the opening verse of Varnam.
[1] Pallavi in Sanskrit is used as an adjective or a verb with appropriate suffix to denote a small and tender red-coloured leaf of a plant or a tendril.
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