Villu Pattu — Bow Song Musical Tradition of Salem

Villu Pattu (bow song) is a unique performing art of Tamil Nadu in which a large musical bow (villu) strung with wire and fitted with bells and brass discs serves as both a percussion and melodic instrument. The lead performer strikes and plucks the bow while assistants maintain rhythm on supporting instruments. The songs narrate stories from Tamil epics and local hero legends in a call-and-response format between the lead singer and the chorus. Troupes from Salem district are particularly renowned for this art form, performing at temple festivals and community gatherings. The performance often continues overnight, with the narrative building to an emotional climax. Villu Pattu has been recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi as an important folk performance tradition.