The ?Nadhaswaram? is a double reed wind instrument from South India . It is used as a traditional classical instrument. This instrument is "among the world's loudest non-brass acoustic instruments"It is a wind instrument with a hardwood body and a large flaring bell made of wood or metal.
In South Indian culture, the nadhaswaram is considered to be very auspicious, and it is a key musical instrument played in almost all Hindu weddings and temples of the South Indian tradition. It is part of the family of instruments known as mangala vadyam (lit. mangala ["auspicious"], vadya ["instrument"]). The instrument is usually played in pairs, and accompanied by a pair of drums called thavil; it can also be accompanied with a drone from a similar oboe called the ottu.
The Nadhaswaram has seven finger-holes, and five additional holes drilled at the bottom which can be stopped with wax to modify the tone.The Nadhaswaram has a range of two and a half octaves.Unlike the flute where semi and quarter tones are produced by the partial opening and closing of the finger holes, in the Nadhaswaram they are produced by adjusting the pressure and strength of the air-flow into the pipe. Due to its intense volume and strength it is largely an outdoor instrument and much more suited for open spaces than for indoor concerts.
I took this shot in Chennai while attending a traditional south Indian wedding of my friend's son. This music was fascinating for its sheer energy and variety. I understand that there is a demand from the younger generation to play western music also or some innovative fusion music. All said and done music has no barriers!
Camera: OnePlus3T, image slightly adjusted for light and sharpness, and resized to FAr requirements.
Enjoy!