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THEVARKAD: VILLAGE OF ‘CHENDA’ ARTISTS

Thevarkad village, Varappuzha, Ernakulam is the land of percussion troupes.  And the godfather and guru of them all is octogenarian Narayanan Asan who runs a free training center for youngsters in the compound of Subrahmanya temple there.

About 30 boys of age group 10-20 attend the 1-hour early morning training under Asan every day.  Initially they have to practise using a wooden stick on granite block.  As they become more proficient, they graduate to practicing ‘chenda’.

When other youngsters of their age group spend their time between TV and games, these boys dedicate their time to learn this rhythmic art.

In the village, Asan has hundreds of disciples.  They run their own training centers and their troupes perform all over Kerala.  As the boys start training early in life, most of the troupes comprise of youth.

Asan does not charge any fee for his coaching.  At the end of the training, on the occasion of formal initiation, whatever the disciples give is his remuneration.

According to Asan, an earnest student can master the instrument in about 3 years.  It is better to start practicing at around 10 years of age.

Thevarkad is near Thirumuppam bus stop on Ernakulam-Paravoor route.

Students practising with stick on granite block

Courtesy: Kumkumam, March 2002

Contributed by: Administrator

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