Panchaari Melam

Chenda, basically a drum, is a double headed cylindrical percussion and temple instrument which has its origin from the state of Kerala. It produces a loud and rigid sound and used in temples and other cultural festivals. It is also popular in Tamil Nadu and Coastal Karnataka. Chenda is an essential accompaniment and an Anavadha Vadya or Percussion Instrument. Its Sanskrit name is Dindimam. Construction A Chenda has two sides on which a leather membrane is stretched over a hollow cylindrical body. The two sides are known as “Valam Thala” – Right head and “Edam Thala” – Left head. Usually one or two layers of Cow’s Skin is used on the left head. The right head will have five or seven layers of skin and produces the “Bass” sound. The skin...