The state of Tamil Nadu has a great tradition of folk songs. This form of music is in existence since centuries and till the date many parts of the state thrive on folk genre. Folk music is full of magical intricacies and no wonder; people are still hooked to folk songs. Folk music is more popular in rural and semi-urban parts of the state. Even Tamil films depict folk songs and most of these songs prove to be big hits. Folk songs mainly use ancient ragas or melodies like sama, thodi, navaroz, manji, nadanam-k-kria and karaharapriya. The beauty of Tamil folk songs lies in its tala intricacies. Tamil folk songs thrive on numerous instruments.

Folk songs are particularly popular amongst tribes. Music is very important in the lives of tribes and they consider it as an ancient culture that must be preserved. Tribes like Pulayar takes inspiration from the sound of birds. This tribe calls melodies as talams. Some of the specific melodies of the tribe is Karaganachi talam, Mangalanada talam, Kundhanada talam etc. the fascinating part about these melodies is they also have elements of classical ragas like saraswathi, andolika, Sudhasaveri, Sankarabharanam and Brindavanasaranga etc. music is often accompanied by dance when the tribal celebrate any festival or occasion.

Kulavai is a very popular form of melody and is often used by women. Popular in area of Thanjavur, this melody is mixed with agricultural occasions. Another popular tribal melody is Nayyandi Melam or Chinna Melam. Tamil folk songs thrive on song and dance combination. The fun integral to these folk songs is hard to miss.