Poduvals belongs to the community of
Nairs in
Kerala and are predominantly traditional drummers in temples. They use the traditional drum known as
Edakka and employed all over Kerala in temples for such rituals.
Poduvals uses only one stick to beat the drum, but when heard it sounds like many. Their style is intense, with repetitive beats, often synchronized, with fast, tight beats and rhythms. At some other times, they play off each other in what sounds like chaos. They always change the tones by squeezing the drum with their free hand.
The word ‘Poduval’ is derived from the word ‘potuval’ meaning common person.
