KNOW YOUR Roots
Payil is an organization in the united states, started with an aim to impart knowledge about tamil art, culture & heritage
Our Courses
தமிழிசை (Tamil Music)
The ancient Tamil music is the historical predecessor of the Carnatic music during the Sangam period spanning from 500 BCE to 200 CE.
Many poems of the classical Sangam literature were set to music. There are various references to this ancient musical tradition found in the ancient Sangam books such as Ettuthokai and Pattupattu. The early narrative poem Cilappatikaram, belonging to the post-Sangam period (5th or 6th century) also mentions various forms of music practiced by the Tamil people.
Music was an integral part of the compositions of the Tamil saints , commonly called Nayanmargal and Aazhvargal. Padhigams in Thevaram , Thiruvasagam, Thirupugazh & Pasuram written by aazhvars will be taught in our classes .
Payil has separate group classes for kids and adults.
சிலம்பம் (Silambam)
Silambam is a weapon-based traditional martial art originating from South India(State Tamil Nadu at present) in the Indian subcontinent. This style is mentioned in Tamil Sangam literature circa 400 BCE.The first stages of Silambam practice are meant to provide a foundation for fighting, and also preparatory body conditioning. This includes improving flexibility, agility, and hand-eye coordination, kinesthetic awareness, balance, strength, speed, muscular and cardiovascular stamina.
Payil teaches Silambam using bamboo stick. The length of the stick depends on the height of the practitioner. Ideally, it should just touch the forehead about three fingers from the head.
பறை (Parai)
Parai is a frame drum about 12” or 15” in diameter. It consists of a shallow ring of wood.Parai is played with two sticks: one long, thin flat bamboo stick (called ‘Sindu/ Sundu Kuchi’ and a short, thick stick called ‘Adi Kucchi’.
We are associated with International Tamil Performing Arts, St Louis & Murasu Parai Kuzhu.