Manjeera

Manjeera is a small pair of hand cymbals used as a percussion instrument in Indian music and dance. The term is sometimes spelled manjeera or manjira and is derived from the Sanskrit manjira, meaning small cymbal. The instrument typically consists of two tiny brass or bronze discs connected by a cord; the discs have holes through which the cord passes, allowing the player to wear or hold them between the fingers.

The player holds the cord over the fingers or palm and strikes the two cymbals together or against each other to produce a bright, ringing sound. The tempo and articulation can be varied by wrist and finger motion, producing patterns that accompany singing, dance, or festive music.

Manjeera is widely used in devotional singing (bhajans and kirtan), folk theater, and temple processions across various regions of India. It is common in North Indian devotional music as well as in some South Indian traditions; it may appear in classical dances as a rhythmic accent, though it is more typical in folk and popular forms.

Construction methods vary, but modern manjiras often use brass or bronze for tone and durability; some variants use steel or other alloys, with a leather strap or loop to secure them to the fingers. The instrument ranges from small, lightweight pairs for beginners to larger, heavier sets for professional work. In regional usage, the instrument may be called manjira, manjiri, or manjeri, with similar sound and playing technique.