Rajeev Kumar’s Sri Sastha Kshetra Vadya Sangam has kept the tradition of Chenda Melam thriving in Chennai by offering free training for more than a decade. As Onam nears, the initiative bridges generations and genders, turning a regional art into a citywide cultural asset.
- Free Chenda training for all ages
- Nearly 150 students mastered the art in 10 years
- Inclusive platform regardless of gender or language
When the thunderous rhythms of Kerala’s temple festivals echo in Villivakkam, Chennai, it is clear that Sri Sastha Kshetra Vadya Sangam has successfully kept the Chenda beat alive ahead of Onam. Rajeev Kumar, inspired by his father C.N. Sukumaran Guruswamy’s wish for an in‑house troupe during the 2013 Kumbhabhishekam, founded the institute to eliminate costly travel to Kerala.
Historical Background
The Chenda, a high‑pitch cylindrical drum, has been a staple of Kerala’s religious celebrations for centuries. Its powerful, rapid beats are integral to Onam and other temple festivals. Historically, learning the instrument required traveling to Kerala and training under a guru, a barrier for many outside the state.
Determined to change this, Rajeev spent two years in Kerala under the tutelage of guru Devaraj Marar. Upon returning, he established the charitable trust, delivering instruction in Tamil, English, and Malayalam, and guaranteeing that no fee would ever be charged.
Students start with the basic Chembada Thalam**, then progress to Panchaari Melam and Adantha Melam. Mastery of fundamentals typically takes four to five months, culminating in an annual arangetram each December. The organization is now preparing its 10th batch for 2026, having trained close to 150 enthusiasts so far.
The cohort spans young boys and girls to middle‑aged men and women. Instructors Shankar A. and R. Karthick lead the classes, while S. Surendar handles event coordination and logistics. Shankar emphasizes breaking lessons into bite‑sized segments, which improves concentration and accelerates learning.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that preserving regional art forms like Chenda outside their native state not only safeguards cultural diversity but also creates new avenues for community bonding and tourism revenue in metropolitan areas such as Chennai.
"Chenda provides a powerful conduit for discipline and cultural identity among youth," notes musicologist Dr. Anita Roy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is there an age limit to learn the Chenda?
A: No, the Sangam welcomes learners of every age group.
Q2: Do I need prior musical experience to join?
A: Absolutely not. Beginners start with the basic tala and progress at their own pace.
