The bell’s role in auspicious events globally, has made it an integral part of cultures.

Performing at SH Assisi in Italy was exciting, and we were the first Carnatic musicians to do so. This opportunity became our doorway to new sights and sounds.

In Rome, we stayed near a church and the ringing of its bell at regular intervals intrigued us. Gionato, a friend, said that church bells were rung for various reasons. They indicated time, signalled the start of service and were rung during the processions of Candlemas and Palm Sunday. They were rung in a certain rhythm, half an hour before Sunday Mass to alert people and also at the end of it.

In India, no temple can do without bells. Its sound is linked with auspicious moments. Called ‘ghanta’ in Sanskrit or ‘mani’ in Tamil, it comes in varied sizes and are known as kothu mani, kovil mani, pujai mani, sara mani and kai mani. Its rich nadham (sound) is important as it should be audible to alert the devotees about pujas. Like the church bell, the different rhythms of ringing in temples also announce the diverse rituals taking place. For example, bells are rung fast during the deeparadanai....................Read more

Source: The Hindu