Bhopal: Under the popular museum series 'Exhibit of the Month' of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, a traditional object is displayed in the appearance for a whole month. The exhibit for the month of January, 2017 is"Idakka"( A percussion instrument of Kerala).   Prof. Sarit Kumar Chaudhuri, (Director, IGRMS) wasinaugurated Exhibit of the month at Veethi Sankul indoor exhibition building. On this occasion traditional artist of Manipur also present. This exhibit of the month has been collected and compiled by Smt. Rashmi Shukla (Museum Associate).

The Idakka or edakka is a percussion instrument of Kerala and it is very similar to the Damru. While the Damru is played by rattling the knotted cords against the resonators whereas the idakka is hung from the left shoulder with the help of cloth strap and it is played while standing only with a curved wooden stick from the right side of instrument while the position of its body and string are manipulated simultaneously with the other hand. This is the only drum which can create all the variety of musical notes.

It is one of the five instruments that constitute the panchvadhyam ensemble of Kerala and considered to be Devavadyam. It is played during the puja at temple or as the accompaniment to the sopanam music and it is also played during presentation of different dance forms like Kathakali, Mohiniattam and Krishnattam.-Window  To News