It might surprise you, but bamboo is their soul and sound! The musical band 'Vayali's' recent performance in Mazhavil Manorama's reality show Ugram Ujjwalam had caught the attention of many.
The musical band, 'Vayali' was born at Arangottukara, a small village in Thrissur district, seven years ago to preserve the folklore along the banks of the Nila. 'Vayali' Folklore Group has come a long way since then. Named after ‘Vayali’, the Goddess of the paddy fields, the band believes in the 'purity' of instrumental music.
'Vayali' has not only got hold of many original folk songs, but has also revived some near-extinct art forms. The musical instruments, solely made of bamboo, except for the metallic timer which couldn’t be converted into a bamboo version, are made by the members themselves. Among these are long drums, leather drum, seven longs, kirti kirte, rain stick, bamboo marimba (xylophone), flute, ‘mulam chenda’ (bamboo drum), and ‘onavillu’ (a traditional Kerala instrument that looks like a bow). Some musical instruments found in other parts of the world inspire the members of Vayali to experiment and innovate. Kheena (a Bolivian instrument made with cattle bones) and Dan trung (the Vietnamese instrument), have been made in bamboo.
Making music wasn’t easy for them, says a band member. Most of the members were from economically backward communities. Being the sole breadwinners of their families, they found pursuing music difficult. However, they were driven by a passion for their folk traditions.
'Vayali' is into responsible tourism potential as well. A few years ago it got associated with Blue Yonder, an organisation promoting responsible tourism initiatives in Kerala.