'Nadaswaram'

Nadaswaram is one of the most popular instruments used for Hindu marriages and temples in south India primarily because of its auspicious aura. It is said to be the loudest non-brass acoustic (wind) instrument. The instrument is played in similar ways as the flute, but has additional holes at the bottom for better control. This is an instrument which requires exceptional breath control as it plays an important role in generating the right tones from the instrument. I captured this snapshot during a south indian Hindu marriage, where a group of experts were playing the traditional 'melam' during the auspicious 'muhoortham'.