Guruvayur Dorai

Guruvayur Dorai, 91, died on October 10, 2026. Guruvayur Dorai was known publicly as an Indian percussionist. He was one of the most senior exponents of the South Indian classical percussion instrument, the mridangam. He had his initial training under Palghat Subba Iyer and E.P. Narayana Pisharody, and later from the legendary master Palani Subramaniam Pillai. Initiating his concert performances at the age of eight, Guruvayur Dorai has performed on the concert platform for the past 60 years. His wide range of efforts in the field of mridangam and music have helped propagate the art around the globe. Public biographical listings identify Dorai as an Indian percussionist. This public record remains centered on Dorai's work as an Indian percussionist and the documented milestones of that career.