Chenda melam in houses in Kokkal; 85 people from all age groups taking classes in this Chenda village

KASARAGOD: From five years old to 60 years old. From granddaughter to grandmother. In Uduma Kokkal village, most households have someone to play the Chenda. Students, government employees, daily wage earners, housewives, and those leading a retirement life are among them. The arangetram (debut performance) of 85 people was held in the courtyard of Shanmuga, the idol of the village, the other day.

The idea came to Kokkal Shanmuga Club last summer. The locals were also enthusiastic when the idea was presented in a public meeting. The training began in the Shanmugha Maddam temple courtyard on April 10. Former president and Chenda Vidwan C Viswanathan became the chief trainer. Raghavan, Abhishek, Sivan, Abhilash and Nidheesh also joined in.

Regular training from 7 to 9 pm. When the school opened, classes were arranged according to holidays. Within ten months, Ganapathi Kai, Chembada, Triputa and Panchari were practised.

All the locals came to watch the training. They competed to buy tea and snacks after the training was over each day. On May 6, the villagers of Kokkal will perform Chenda Melam at the Kalanad Vallikkunnu Chooliyar Bhagavathy temple festival. Preparations are underway for that.

Sarvam Shanmukha

The Shanmugha Maddam is a part of the lives of the residents of Kokkal. Everyone gathers here for the Aandiyoot Mahotsav, pujas and bhajans.

The Shanmukha Club, which provides free training facilities, has about a hundred members. The club is also a model in charitable activities. The club spent more than one lakh rupees to teach the instrument to 85 people.

Thanks to Guru Viswanathan, who has shaped Chenda players all over the village

- PV Bhaskaran, President, Kokkal Shanmukha Club

It was a great experience to be able to teach so many people the Chenda instrument at the same time

- C Viswanathan

Chenda Melam Trainer