Parai Jamming in Bengaluru – Learn Paraiattam, Rhythms, Movement & Stories
About the Event
Experience the Rhythm, Movement and Stories of Paraiattam

Parai Jamming is a hands-on exploration of Paraiattam, offering participants an opportunity to learn the basics of playing the Parai while also discovering the rhythms, movements, stories, histories and lived experiences connected to this important traditional art form.

The session goes beyond simply learning how to play an instrument. Participants will explore the energy and movement of Paraiattam, understand its performance traditions, and engage with the cultural stories carried by the Parai.

Through rhythm, movement, storytelling and practical learning, the session creates a space to experience Paraiattam from multiple perspectives.

Participants will get a chance to play and jam with the Parai themselves, making the experience interactive and participatory rather than purely observational.

What Is Parai Jamming?

Parai Jamming brings together several dimensions of Paraiattam in one engaging session.

Participants will learn the basic techniques of playing the Parai, explore different rhythms and understand how the instrument connects with traditional performance practices.

The session also introduces the physicality of Paraiattam through movement and performance energy. Rhythm is not treated only as sound but as something that can be experienced through the body, movement and collective participation.

Alongside this practical exploration, the session looks at the people and communities associated with the art form. It creates an opportunity to understand the stories carried by the Parai and hear about the lived experiences of Parai artists.

This includes conversations around their journeys, struggles, identities and relationship with the art form.

By combining learning and lived experience, Parai Jamming encourages participants to engage with Paraiattam in a deeper and more meaningful way.

Learn the Basics of Playing the Parai

One of the central parts of the session is the opportunity to learn how to play the Parai.

Participants can explore the basics of handling the instrument and become familiar with its rhythms through guided practice.

The hands-on nature of the session makes it suitable for those who want to experience traditional percussion directly rather than simply watching a performance.

You do not need to approach the session only as a music lesson. It is designed as a broader introduction to the relationship between rhythm, movement, performance and culture.

Explore Parai Rhythms and Performance Traditions

The Parai has a strong rhythmic identity, and the session introduces participants to its various rhythmic possibilities and performance traditions.

As participants practice, they can begin to understand how rhythm functions within Paraiattam and how collective playing can create a powerful sense of energy.

The session encourages participants to listen, practice, respond and participate, creating a shared environment where rhythm can be experienced together.

This makes Parai Jamming an opportunity to discover the expressive possibilities of traditional percussion in an accessible, participatory setting.

Experience the Movement and Energy of Paraiattam

Paraiattam is not limited to playing the Parai. Movement is an important part of the experience, and the session explores the physical energy associated with the art form.

Participants will have the opportunity to understand how rhythm and movement work together during performance.

The combination of percussion, body movement and collective energy offers a more complete introduction to Paraiattam and helps participants experience it as a living performance tradition.

Stories Beyond the Instrument

Parai Jamming also asks participants to look beyond the instrument itself.

The Parai carries stories, cultural histories and lived experiences, and these form an important part of the session.

Participants will explore the human stories connected to Parai artists, including their personal journeys, struggles, identities and relationships with the art form.

This approach creates space for a wider understanding of traditional arts — not only through technique and performance, but through the experiences of the people who sustain and carry these practices.

Understanding the Lived Experiences of Parai Artists

A key element of the session is its focus on the people behind the art.

Through conversations and shared experiences, participants can gain insight into the lives of Parai artists and the realities that shape their relationship with Paraiattam.

These stories bring another perspective to the session, connecting art practice with lived experience.

Rather than treating Paraiattam only as a traditional performance form, Parai Jamming creates a space to understand its cultural context and the journeys of the artists who continue to practice and evolve it.

About the Facilitator – Naren

Naren is a theatre artist, director and Parai artist based in Bengaluru.

Having grown up among Parai artists, Naren brings a lived connection to the art form along with extensive performance experience.

He has performed across Tamil Nadu and has trained in diverse folk and tribal art forms, building an artistic practice that brings together different modes of expression.

His work connects theatre, music, movement and social engagement, allowing traditional art practices to be explored through contemporary artistic expression.

ADAVI Arts Collective

Naren is the founder of ADAVI Arts Collective, an anti-caste arts initiative that works with Parai and other traditional folk practices.

The collective connects these traditional practices with contemporary artistic expression, creating opportunities for cultural engagement through art.

Through his work with ADAVI Arts Collective and his own artistic practice, Naren brings together performance, movement, music and social engagement.

With Parai Jamming, he draws from his lived experience and artistic journey to explore the rhythms, stories and cultural histories of Paraiattam.

A Session That Connects Art and Culture

Parai Jamming is designed to offer more than a conventional workshop.

It brings together:

Parai playing
Rhythm exploration
Paraiattam movement
Performance traditions
Storytelling
Cultural history
Artist experiences
Community and identity
Hands-on jamming

This combination allows participants to approach Paraiattam through both practice and understanding.

The session invites participants to learn by doing, listening and engaging with the stories behind the art.

From Learning to Jamming

The practical part of the experience is an important feature of Parai Jamming.

After being introduced to the basics of the Parai and its rhythms, participants can put their learning into practice through jamming.

Playing together creates a shared rhythmic experience and offers a chance to understand how individual sounds become part of a collective performance.

The session therefore moves from learning and listening to participation and collaboration.

A Deeper Introduction to Paraiattam

For people who may be encountering Paraiattam for the first time, Parai Jamming offers an opportunity to engage with the art form from several angles.

Instead of focusing only on technique, the session places equal importance on the cultural and human dimensions of the practice.

Participants can discover how rhythm, movement, history and storytelling come together and gain a broader understanding of Paraiattam while experiencing the art form directly.

Who Can Attend?

Parai Jamming is open to participants aged 12 and above.

The session is designed for those interested in traditional arts, percussion, movement, theatre, storytelling, cultural practices or simply trying a new hands-on artistic experience.

No additional experience level has been specified, making the event an opportunity to explore Paraiattam through guided participation.

What to Wear

Participants are advised to wear loose and comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement.

Since the session includes movement and hands-on participation, comfortable attire can help participants engage more freely with the activities.

What to Expect at Parai Jamming

Participants can look forward to an experience that combines learning, movement, rhythm and conversation.

The session offers an opportunity to:

Learn: Understand the basics of playing the Parai.

Explore: Discover Parai rhythms and performance traditions.

Move: Experience the movement and physical energy of Paraiattam.

Listen: Hear stories and perspectives connected to Parai artists.

Understand: Explore cultural histories, identities and lived experiences associated with the art form.

Jam: Put the learning into practice through an interactive Parai jamming experience.

Event Experience

Parai Jamming creates a space where traditional percussion, folk performance, theatre, movement and cultural storytelling come together.

For participants, the experience is not only about producing rhythm. It is about understanding the context in which the rhythm exists and connecting with the people, stories and histories connected to Paraiattam.

The hands-on format makes the event particularly engaging for anyone looking to experience an art form through direct participation.

Entry and Security Guidelines

By accepting, holding or using a ticket, attendees acknowledge that they have read, understood, accepted and agreed to the full terms and conditions.

The organiser reserves the right of admission and may alter the event schedule without prior notice.

Entry is permitted only after a thorough security check and through designated entrances.

Re-entry is not permitted.

Prohibited Items

The venue does not permit food, beverages, liquids, bottles, cans, tins, bags, lighters, matchboxes, flammable items, illegal substances or hazardous substances inside the venue or seating area.

Security personnel may search ticket holders and their belongings at entry.

A ticket holder who refuses a security search or is found carrying prohibited items may be denied entry without refund or compensation.

Drug-Free Event and Behaviour Rules

This is a drug-free event.

The use, possession, procurement, supply or consumption of drugs, narcotics or psychotropic substances, as defined under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, is prohibited.

Any attendee found violating this rule may be immediately evicted without refund or compensation, and the organiser reserves the right to initiate legal action as permitted under applicable law.

Admission may also be refused, or an attendee may be ejected, if they appear intoxicated, are under the influence of drugs, behave dangerously or inappropriately, or engage in conduct likely to cause harassment, damage, injury or nuisance.

The organiser's decision in such matters shall be final.

Photography and Recording Policy

The use of audio or video recording equipment, including still cameras, is strictly prohibited during the event.

Attendees are expected to follow the recording restrictions throughout the session.

Ticket and Refund Policy

Tickets are issued in accordance with the rules and regulations of the event organiser and venue management.

Except as specifically stated, tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged, cancelled or returned once purchased.

If the organiser cancels the performance, the ticket fee will be refunded.

Other charges, including parking fees, internet handling fees and order processing fees, remain non-refundable.

The organiser and venue are not liable for problems arising from unauthorised copies or reproductions of tickets.

Tickets are invalid if their security features have been tampered with.

Safety and Personal Belongings

The organiser does not accept responsibility for injury to persons or for loss of or damage to personal property brought to the event.

Attendees voluntarily assume all risks related to contracting COVID-19, H1N1 or any other communicable disease or illness, whether before, during or after the event, and waive applicable claims against the organiser arising from such risks as stated in the terms.

The event is also subject to force majeure conditions, and attendee cooperation is requested at all times.

Alcohol and Legal Requirements

In accordance with applicable law, persons below the legally permissible age may not purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.

All attendees are expected to comply with applicable laws and venue regulations.

Event Schedule and Lineup

The organiser may modify the terms and conditions from time to time at its discretion.

The event schedule may also be changed without prior notice.

Any secondary performances, if applicable, and the event lineup are subject to the artist's discretion.

Personal Information and Privacy

To provide a quality user experience, the organiser may collect certain information during booking, registration or payment.

This may include personally identifiable information such as the attendee's:

Name
Email address
Phone number

Such information may be collected in accordance with the applicable Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Jurisdiction

All disputes or claims relating to the event shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Mumbai, as specified in the event terms and conditions.

Experience Parai Jamming Live

Parai Jamming offers an immersive introduction to Paraiattam through rhythm, movement, storytelling, cultural history and lived experience.

With Naren, a Bengaluru-based theatre artist, director and Parai artist, facilitating the session, participants can learn the basics of playing the Parai, explore its rhythms and performance traditions, experience the movement and energy of Paraiattam, and understand the stories connected to the artists and communities who keep the tradition alive.

The experience goes beyond simply learning an instrument. It creates a space to play, move, listen, learn and jam together while engaging with the cultural histories and lived experiences that surround Paraiattam.

Open to ages 12 and above, Parai Jamming is an opportunity to discover a traditional art form through direct participation and deeper cultural understanding.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and come ready to explore the rhythm, movement and stories of Paraiattam.