Wednesday, August 14, 2013

'Ther' festival, Muththumari Amman Temple, Kudagama road, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

The decorated wooden chariot - the 'Ther' - carrying an image of the Diety.
 The 'Ther' was a chariot made of wood, used by the legendary Deities and Kings of long ago. Its construction techniques goes back thousands of years and is still built by artisans specializing in the field.
'Thavil' - drum and the 'Nathaswaram' - The flute.
It needs years of apprentiship and practice to play the above instruments. Learning the 'Thaalas' and 'Raagas' of South Indian music takes a lifetime of learning.