CHENDAMELAM

Chenda Melangal: is the most popular and widely acclaimed keshtra vadhyas of Kerala. More than 300 years old melam is an integral part of all festivals in Kerala irrespective of cast or religion. The most important among these melams are "Pandy" (Splendid &Majestic) and "Panchari" (sweet & pleasing) which may extent up to 5 hours. The leading instrument is "Chenda", Kerala's own instrument. The Chenda is divided into "Valamthala Chenda & Edamthala Chenda" (right & left side of the instrument) or "Veekam Chenda" & "Uruttu Chenda". The covering is soft in Edamthala but in layers in Valamthala.

Chenda can produce multiple vadhyas the "Devavadya" using "Valamthala" and Asura vadhyas through "Edamthala". With infinite range & magnificent sound "Chenda" is above all 18 instruments.

Some of the past and present are : Pallavoor Appu Marar, Thripekulam Achuta marar, Chakkumkulam Appu Marar, Kachamkurichikannan,Kelath Aravindakshan, Pervanam Kuttan, Mattannur Sankarankutty ( with out any prejudice or order) Instruments :Chenda, Kurumkuzal, Kombu, Elathalam . Pramanavadhya (Leading instrument): Uruttu Chenda Role of each instrument in general: "Uruttu Chenda"- To lead the orchestra. "Veekam Chenda"- to keep the thalam "Elathalam" – To support the Veekam Chenda "Kombu & Kuramkuzal" To keep the orchestra with in the prescribed limits and to blend & balance.

The melangal are performed in a tight format without any compromise and each and every instruments has equally important role to perform and the conductor will see that all are in tune &time with one another.