Chenda is a cylindrical instrument widely popular in
Kerala and some parts of Karnataka state of India. It is a percussion
instrument and is also called Chende in Karnataka. Chenda usually
accompanies Hindu religious art forms of Kerala. As mentioned above
Chenda is used as accompaniment for Kathakali and Koodiyattam dances and
rituals in Kerala. It is also an important part of the popular folk
dance-drama of Karnataka called Yakshagana.
A Chenda is wooden drum, which is cylindrical in shape and has a length
of 2 feet and a diameter of 1 foot. Both sides of Chenda are covered
with skin. The drummers hang Chenda in their neck so that it remains
vertical facing the upper parchment of the covered skin. The drummer
strikes the upper parchment using two sticks. Chenda produces very loud
sound. There are three main types of Chenda- Uruttu chenda (for playing
variations), Veekku chenda (one which beats the basic rhythm) and the
Acchan chenda.
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Music of India |
