The oral tradition of the Vedas (Srauta) consists of several pathas, "recitations" or ways of chanting the Vedic mantras. Such traditions of Vedic chant are often considered the oldest unbroken oral tradition in existence, the fixation of the Vedic texts (samhitas) as preserved dating to roughly the time of Homer (early Iron Age). Vedic Chant- Agni Chayana Ritual Fritz Staal Collection

Ayyappan or Shasta Pattu (songs in praise of Ayyappan or Shasta) is performed in temples dedicated to the God Shasta or Ayyappan. At the festivals the story of Ayyappan's life is performed. This song deals with the story of his birth describing how Mohini is pregnant with a child of Lord Shiva's, and finally gives birth to Ayyappan.

Dhallo is a song-dance form, and also a festival celebrated during the month of Pausha and Magha of the Hindu calendar. It is performed predominantly by women of the Gavda community of Goa, as part of harvest and fertility rituals. Largely composed in Konkani, Dhallos are played out in the 'Mand', a sacred performance space in villages, and generally start around midnight.

Nanduni pattu takes its name from the musical instrument, nanduni, which is a two stringed lute and is performed for the goddess Bhadrakali. It is usually performed at rituals for lower Hindu castes in Bhadrakali/Bhagavati temples and private houses (Bhagavati Kollam). It is also known as Tottam pattu. Nanduni pattu is also sung as part of the dance ritual Karika Thullal.

Cham is a form of sacred Tibetan dance. It is performed for spiritual and psychic cleansing. Appa Cham refers to a cham for the father. Two male dancers (Father and Son) perform a part of the two hours dance play. The dancer wears an Appa mask and holds a hunter's bow. Small bells are also attached to his belt.

Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic calendar, is an important period of mourning in Shia Islam. It commemorates the pitched battle of Karbala, in which Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet, was slain by the henchmen of the Ummayad ruler Yazid. Each day during Muharram has its own significance during which various processions take place. The instruments performed during Muharram include the 'dholtasa', comprising the cylindrical drum- 'dhol', the shallow kettle drums (naqarah), frame drums (dappu) and double reed aerophones with conical bore(shehnai).