The video is of a rare percussion orchestra called Mizhavu melam. Mizhavu is the main percussion instrument of Kutiyattam, Chakiyarkoothu and Nangiyarkoothu, the ancient art forms of Kerala. This instrument, shaped like a large pot, is made of copper. The playing surface is the mouth of the pot which is covered tightly with a hide.

Melam is the name for an orchestral genre associated with rituals or festivals in temples. Increasing speed and decreasing rhythm units are the features of a Melam. An interesting feature of the Melam shown here is that all the instruments played here are accompaniments for a Kutiyattam performance.

The artists are Margi Ramanunni (Mizhavu), Margi Mohanan (Thimila), Margi Subramanian Potti (Edakka) and Margi Sathi (Ilathalam).