The Parai is one of the foremost, most cultural, and ancient instruments that has survived in Tamil society for thousands of years. The sound carries the weight and pride of a proud and cultured civilization that is slowly, through the violent influence of globalisation, losing its identity and self-respect. The Parai was an instrument that bore a great and respectful place in Tamil society, where it was used on important and auspicious occasions to signal joy and celebration.
Tamils in Malaysia who are ardent in preserving and developing their culture have protected the classical instrument from extinction. The Perak Sebastiar Art Academy is one such organisation that holds dearly to the ancient artistic practices of Tamils. They have ambitiously organised 380 musicians to play without break for 30 minutes straight.
The aim of the event was to win a prestigious place in the Malaysian Book of Records. The leader of the Sebastiar Art Academy, Iruthayam Sebastiar, expressed that he is hoping for their ardent attempt to be recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records in the month of October.
Iruthayam Sebastiar has also stated that if this record is kept intact for a period of a year, it would excel to become a world record. This astounding acknowledgment will only bring glory to both the Parai and Parai musicians in Malaysia, who have contributed ceaselessly to protecting this ancient instrument from being reaped from the seams of history.
We have given voice for the sound of the Parai. Let this Parai live on. Do not destroy it.
– Iruthayam Sebastiar, Leader of the Sebastiar Art’s Academy
Source: Bernama
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