The nagara, also called naghara, is a drum used in India. There are many types of naghara. It is often the main instrument in temple ceremonies and weddings. These drums usually have two parts: one that makes high sounds (treble) and one that makes low sounds (bass). They are played with sticks.

In Sikh traditions, the naghara is a large drum used in Gatka performances. It was also used in battles in the past.

In Central Asia and the Middle East, the naghara is one drum. It comes in different sizes and has many names, such as "boyuk nagara" (big naghara), "cura nagara" (small naghara), "chiling naghara" (played with sticks), "Qoltuq nagara" (held under the arm), "gosha naghara" (Naqareh), and "el naghara" (played with hands).

Nagada is an Indian drum used for rhythmic sounds. Nakara is a drum used in South Indian Hindu temples during festivals. Its size can vary, and it is often placed near the entrance of these temples.

Temple musical instrument

Nagada is still played in certain Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu. The musical instruments used in temples are called Kethu, jalliry, or jalli instruments (Tamil: கெத்து வாத்தியம், "ஜல்லிரி', "ஜல்லி"). These instruments are usually played by temple workers. It is known that about 18 musical instruments (Ashta dasa) were played during regular worship times, special events such as consecration, temple fairs, festivals, and processions, including car processions, float festivals, and palanquin festival processions. These instruments were most popular in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Nakara, an Indian drum, is one of these instruments. It is a type of Murasu instrument. In well-known temples, this pair of instruments is often tied to the back of a bull or an elephant, and the animal is led before the procession. Beating the instrument signals to people that the temple procession is beginning.

Components of nakara

Nakara is a hand drum covered with skin, used during religious ceremonies in southern India. The bottom part of the drum is made from a half-sphere-shaped metal container. The metal used is likely brass or copper. The drum's skin covering is usually made from goatskin or similar materials. This skin is attached to the metal container using strings or metal strips. When played with special sticks or curved tools, the drum produces a loud, thunder-like sound. The purpose of playing Nakara is to send messages to people through rhythmic sounds.