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Nadaswaram and Thavil are considered as holy (Mangala) musical instruments in South Indian tradition and culture.

The nadaswaram (also called as nagaswaram, nadhaswaram or nathaswaram), is the world's loudest non-brass acoustic or wind instrument. This instrument comprise a long cylindrical wooden body having the mouth piece at one end and a bell shaped (wooden or metal)at the other end.

The two faced percussion instrument ‘thavil' (or tavil) is a kind of drum. It has a barrel shaped wooden shell and the layers of animal skin are stretched across the two sides of the shell. It is beaten with two hands - using drum stick at one side and the fingers at the other side. A pair of Thalam (five metal brass piece) is also used to augment rhythm.

Both the instruments (Nadaswaram and Thavil) form important role in classical (carnatic) instrumental music and the playing of these two instruments together are considered as auspicious in Hindu temple festivals and other rituals, Hindu wedding functions and other important occasions. They are also forming part of folk music.

I have exposed this instrumental music troupe (while playing) in a marriage function.