A Mallari is played as the first musical item, by the Nādhaswaram (a wind instrument), during temple festivals before the temple deity is taken out in procession. A Mallari is performed in the first three speeds (Tisra naḍai), and is usually set in Raga Gambhīra Nāṭṭai. The other Ghana Pancha Rāgas, namely, Nāṭa, Gowla, Ārabhi, Varāḷi and Srī Rāgam are also used in composing Mallaris.