Maddalam is a drum fastened to the waist by a cotton belt. It is played on both ends by both hands, with the right-hand fingers covered with metal thimbles in order to produce a powerful and sharp sound, and the left hand holding a stick. Gong is a thick, small, round, metal-alloy plate. The singer holds it by a thread-loop that runs through a hole pierced in its bent rim, and he beats it with a small stick. The primary function of the gong is to give rhythmic beats.
Singers also stand in the orchestra, generally in a group of two or three.
They sing songs that are based on old modes of melodies in Karnatak music sung in Kerala temples. The Performance A Kathakali performance may last as long as sixteen hours. At sunset, the program begins with a drumming that announces the performance, followed by a series of religious songs and praise to the gods. Audience members who want to watch may walk behind the curtain to see. Works Cited Ambrose, Kay.