Chicago Chenda Club is a group of talented people, dedicated to keep the Kerala tradition alive by practicing and performing Chenda Melam on various religious and cultural festivities in Chicago area since 2012. Chicago Chenda Club is a social welfare organization under the Illinois law. The primary purpose of the Club is to teach and promote Chenda Melam in religious and cultural festivities in U.S. especially in Chicago area. We also promote charity work. We strongly believe that the families behind the members are the backbone of the Club.
About Chenda
Chenda is one of the ancient musical instruments. Its musical sound is important on any auspicious ceremonies. It has become a prominent part of Kerala’s cultural landscape and is the music of the Gods Own Country. “Chenda Melam” means percussion using Chenda. Chenda Melam is one of the popular art forms in Kerala.
A chenda is a cylindrical wooden drum and has a length of 2 feet and diameter of 1 foot. Both ends of the drum are covered with cow or ox skin and one side is used to produce sound. It is usually played with sticks. Chenda is capable of producing complex rhythms and is famous for its loud and rigid sound.
