The Sacred Sounds of Sammakka Jatara
Four ancestral instruments that have accompanied deity processions for over 800 years
Doli (డోలి)
The Cylindrical Drum — Primary Rhythm
The Doli is the heartbeat of the Jatara. Its player sets the pace of the deity's journey — faster during joyous moments, slower during solemn ritual segments. Multiple Doli players march in formation, creating a powerful rhythmic wall of sound that can be heard kilometres from the procession.
The Doli rhythm is not just music — it's a communication system. Different patterns signal different events: the deity's departure, an approaching procession, the enthronement on the Gadde, and the final return to the forest.
Akkum (అక్కుం)
The Brass Horn — Herald of the Gods
When pilgrims hear the Akkum's call cutting through the noise of a million devotees, they know Sammakka or Sarakka is approaching. The instrument requires considerable lung power and skill — Akkum players are respected members of the Koya community, their craft passed down through generations.
The Akkum serves as the Jatara's ancient "public address system" — its piercing tone carries over the massive crowds, giving pilgrims time to prepare for the deity's arrival and make way for the procession.
Thootha Kommu (తూత కొమ్ము)
The Bison-Horn Trumpet — Most Sacred
The Thootha Kommu is the most sacred of the four instruments. Made from an actual bison horn (Indian gaur), it is sounded only at the Jatara's most critical moments:
- The retrieval of Sammakka's vermilion casket from the bamboo grove on Chilukalagutta
- The enthronement of goddesses on the Gadde
- The final return procession to the forest on Day 4
The deep, primal sound connects the Jatara to its ancient forest origins — a sound that pre-dates metal instruments, a sound that the Koya believe was heard by the first worshippers of Sammakka. As bison horns become scarce due to wildlife protection, some modern Thootha Kommu are cast in brass, but traditional horn versions are still preferred for major rituals.
Thalalu (తాళాలు)
Bronze Cymbals — Continuous Accompaniment
Thalalu are the simplest of the four instruments but play a continuous role — from the first procession on Day 1 to the final return on Day 4. They provide rhythmic accompaniment to the Doli, filling the gaps between drum beats with a shimmering metallic texture.
Notably, Thalalu players often include women, making this the most inclusive of the Koya ritual instruments. While Doli, Akkum, and Thootha Kommu are traditionally played by men from specific lineages, Thalalu can be played by any community member who accompanies the procession.
Comparison Table
| Instrument | Telugu Name | Material | Role | Who Plays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cylindrical Drum | Doli (డోలి) | Wood, animal skin | Primary rhythm, all processions | Hereditary male drummers |
| Brass Horn | Akkum (అక్కుం) | Brass | Announces deity approach | Trained male players |
| Bison-Horn Trumpet | Thootha Kommu (తూత కొమ్ము) | Bison horn / brass | Key ritual moments only | Senior Koya priests |
| Bronze Cymbals | Thalalu (తాళాలు) | Bronze | Continuous accompaniment | Men and women |
Why This Matters
The Jatara's soundscape is a living example of pre-Vedic, pre-Hindu tribal musical tradition. In an era of electronic amplification and Bollywood playlists at festivals, the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara remains one of the last major Indian festivals where the only music permitted during core rituals comes from ancestral instruments unchanged for 800 years.
This is not merely tradition for tradition's sake — the sounds are integral to the ritual's spiritual meaning. Each instrument has a specific role in the cosmic drama: the Doli is the heartbeat, the Akkum is the voice, the Thootha Kommu is the divine call, and the Thalalu is the community's response.