Laya means pace or tempo. The equi-distant time duration between the two beats of strokes of a Tala or Chaalan which is determined and fixed only by the performing artiste or musician is defined as Laya. We normally use three types of Layas for singing – Vilambit (slow pace), Madhya (medium pace) and Drut (fast pace). But for more convenience it is better to conceive 7 types of Laya to understand it in the perspective of practical purposes. These are as follows :-

1) Ati Vilambit Laya (Too slow tempo)

2) Vilambit Laya (Slow tempo)

3) Madhya Vilambit Laya (Medium-slow tempo)

4) Madhyalaya (Medium tempo)

5) Madhya Drut Laya (Medium-fast tempo)

6) Drut Laya (Fast tempo)

7) Ati Drut Laya (Too fast tempo)

The word “Ati” means ‘too muchness’.