Traditional Tamil drumming brings rhythm and energy to Crawley

Held at Ifield Drive Community Centre on October 25, the workshop offered participants an opportunity to experience a traditional art form, learn new rhythms and discover the close connection between drumming, dance and movement.

Aurvi Collective extends its sincere thanks to Creative Crawley, Tamil Learning Centre Crawley and Tamil Arts UK for their invaluable support in making the workshop possible. Their contributions helped bring this cultural experience to the local community.

Delivered in collaboration with Tamil Arts UK, the workshop was led by Karthik Kamalakannan, founder of Tamil Arts UK and Parai drumming instructor. His friendly, patient and encouraging approach helped the children feel comfortable and confident as they explored the rhythms of Parai.

The workshop was enjoyed by both children and adults, with participants embracing the experience with enthusiasm. For many, it was something new and different, filled with energy, rhythm and movement. The positive feedback reflected the enjoyment of discovering an art form that some participants may never have experienced before.

Aurvi Collective was established with a passion for bringing traditional art forms and practices back into people's lives, particularly those that are becoming less familiar or risk being forgotten over time. Through practical, hands-on workshops, the collective hopes to preserve valuable traditions, share skills with new generations and give people opportunities to experience something new.

Although this first workshop focused on Tamil heritage through Parai drumming, Aurvi Collective hopes to explore a variety of traditional art forms and creative practices through future activities. Its aim is to make these experiences accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of their cultural heritage.

Following the success of the workshop, Aurvi Collective hopes to build on the positive response by creating further opportunities for the community in Crawley and beyond to discover traditional arts, learn new skills and experience practices that deserve to be kept alive.

Through Aurvi Collective, traditional art forms can find new audiences, connect generations and continue to be experienced and enjoyed for years to come.