--- title: "Kalavadhyam: Authentic Chenda Melam & Traditional Percussion Classes" description: "Discover the heartbeat of Kerala’s percussion with Kalavadhyam. From authentic Chenda Melam performances to traditional Gurukulam training in Bengaluru, we preserve our heritage. Start your journey today." canonical: https://mytribe.in/kalavadhyam_official/kerala-percussion-arts-classes-gurukulam/featured last_updated: 2025-08-29 --- # The Spirit of Kalavadhyam: Our Featured Moments Tribe Verified · 15 years preserving Kerala's temple rhythms. By [Kalavadhyam](https://mytribe.in/kalavadhyam_official) · Online classes and in-person at 7 Kalari locations across Bengaluru · ₹1,200 per month (estimate) Part of [Kerala Percussion Arts Classes (Gurukulam)](https://mytribe.in/kalavadhyam_official/kerala-percussion-arts-classes-gurukulam). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/kalavadhyam_official/kerala-percussion-arts-classes-gurukulam/gallery) A glimpse into our Gurukulam, where 15 years of dedication meets the thundering roar of the Chenda. From our youngest students mastering rhythms on stone blocks to grand temple performances, this is the heartbeat of our tradition. ## Photos and videos - [Video: **Hero Item:** Witness the power of a Panchari Melam led by one of our youngest artists at the sacred Kollur Mookambika Temple. This is the culmination of our training, where students take center stage and tradition comes alive.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c42d5351-1572-4084-8ad6-583777816482) - [Video: The journey begins with discipline. Here, our young students are in a Pandi Melam class, learning the fundamental rhythms not on a drum, but on stone blocks, the traditional way we build a strong foundation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/077eb801-bba6-46d2-b675-169f5ff84402) - [Video: The spirit of the Chenda knows no gender. We are proud to see our student, Shibila, performing with focus and passion, embodying the strength and dedication we foster in our exclusive ladies' batches.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/77ff19e4-1243-4f85-9456-53f1707cc9a3) - [Video: Experience the divine melody of Sopana Sangeetham, performed at the Kochu Guruvayurappan Temple in Bengaluru. Here, the gentle, spiritual tones of the Edakka offer a beautiful contrast to the powerful Chenda.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bdeb4437-903c-4c1d-9293-df8b0ab29b3f) - [Video: Learn from anywhere in the world with Kalavadhyam Gurukulam, our online learning platform. This video announces our self-paced Chenda courses, making authentic training accessible to everyone with a passion for the art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0fca83b8-8f5a-41e7-ade9-01cfd1c3cbf2) - ![We are proud to announce Kalavadhyam Laxminarayanan as the youngest 'Melam Pramani' (lead performer) in our history. This highlights our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in traditional arts.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/62597986-c272-4708-86ce-4265efeab713) - [Video: Feel the raw power and precision of the Chenda in this close-up of Kalavadhyam Dheeraj Edat during a Panchari Melam. This is the mastery that comes from years of dedication to the craft.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/29b0d74d-4cc8-459a-b9ce-879982ffc7e9) - ![Our annual 'Melothsavam' is a grand symphony of classical Chenda Melam, bringing together over 80 artists for a celebration of rhythm. This poster captures the scale and spirit of our community events.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6da95f58-2648-4b40-aed8-e11fbb1f9099) ## About Featured Before the *simha garjjanam* (lion's roar) of our Chenda Melam fills a temple ground, our students spend months mastering the basics on stone blocks. We believe true rhythm is built through this quiet discipline, not by rushing to the drum. This rigorous foundation is what allows our artists, even those as young as seven, to perform with such precision at festivals across Bengaluru. ### Our 15-Year Journey in Bengaluru What started as a small spark to keep Kerala's percussion traditions alive has grown into a community of over 800 students. We are more than an academy; we are a family dedicated to preserving the *kshethra shyli* (temple style) of music. Whether it is a full-scale Panchari Melam ensemble or the subtle, devotional notes of Sopana Sangeetham, our goal remains the same: to pass this sacred knowledge to our *varumkaala padanaayakanmaar* (future leaders). ### The Gurukulam Approach We teach in the traditional Gurukulam way. There are no shortcuts. We focus on: * **Foundational Discipline:** As mentioned, students start with *Saadhakam* on stone blocks. This is non-negotiable. * **Inclusive Learning:** We have broken barriers by offering exclusive, safe batches for women, and our classes are open to anyone over the age of seven. * **Direct Lineage:** You learn directly from our Gurunaadhan, Shri Dheeraj Edat, and our visiting legends. ### How We Work We operate across multiple *Kalari* locations in Bengaluru, including Ramamurthy Nagar, Sarjapur Road, and Vidyaranyapura. For those who cannot travel, our Kalavadhyam Gurukulam online platform brings the same authentic curriculum to your home. We do not just train; we provide a stage. From local events to prestigious performances at places like Kollur Mookambika Temple, we ensure our students experience the grandeur of live performance. If you are ready to immerse yourself in the rhythm of Kerala, we invite you to join our family. ## About Kalavadhyam We are Kalavadhyam, a family of artists dedicated to keeping the sacred sounds of Kerala’s temple arts alive in Bengaluru. We are not just a performing group; we are a Gurukulam where we pass down the traditional style directly to the next generation. Whether you want to learn the rhythm or book an ensemble for a cultural event, we are here to share this heritage with you. [See all of Kalavadhyam's services](https://mytribe.in/kalavadhyam_official) ## More from Kerala Percussion Arts Classes (Gurukulam) by Kalavadhyam - [The Gurukulam: Our Training Method](https://mytribe.in/kalavadhyam_official/kerala-percussion-arts-classes-gurukulam/the-gurukulam-our-training-method) - [Women of Kalavadhyam](https://mytribe.in/kalavadhyam_official/kerala-percussion-arts-classes-gurukulam/women-of-kalavadhyam) - [The Next Generation of Artists](https://mytribe.in/kalavadhyam_official/kerala-percussion-arts-classes-gurukulam/the-next-generation-of-artists) - [The Sound of the Ensemble: Melam Performances](https://mytribe.in/kalavadhyam_official/kerala-percussion-arts-classes-gurukulam/the-sound-of-the-ensemble-melam-performances) - [Beyond the Chenda: Our Instrument Offerings](https://mytribe.in/kalavadhyam_official/kerala-percussion-arts-classes-gurukulam/beyond-the-chenda-our-instrument-offerings) - [Our Kalavadhyam Family & Gurus](https://mytribe.in/kalavadhyam_official/kerala-percussion-arts-classes-gurukulam/our-kalavadhyam-family-gurus) - [Events & Milestones](https://mytribe.in/kalavadhyam_official/kerala-percussion-arts-classes-gurukulam/events-milestones) - [Online Learning: Kalavadhyam Gurukulam](https://mytribe.in/kalavadhyam_official/kerala-percussion-arts-classes-gurukulam/online-learning-kalavadhyam-gurukulam) ## More services by Kalavadhyam - [Traditional Kerala Percussion Ensembles (Melam)](https://mytribe.in/kalavadhyam_official/traditional-kerala-percussion-ensembles-melam) - [Devotional Music Album Production](https://mytribe.in/kalavadhyam_official/devotional-music-album-production) ## Similar work from other experts - [Mahadeva Kalasamithi Chenda Melam Gallery](https://mytribe.in/mahadeva_kalasamithi_/chenda-training-arangetam-services/featured) by Mahadeva Kalasamithi · Chenda Training & Arangetam Services · Training at T. Dasarahalli studio and across Bengaluru - [Our Best Chenda Melam Performances in Bangalore](https://mytribe.in/rhythm_of_kerala_blore/chenda-melam-performance/featured) by Rhythm Of Kerala · Chenda Melam Performance · Available at venues across Bengaluru; Office in Begur - [Traditional Chenda Melam for Temple & Festival Processions](https://mytribe.in/team_kerala_events/chenda-melam-performances/traditional-temple-festival-processions) by Team Malayalees · Chenda Melam Performances · Performs across South India & Nagpur; Offices in Chennai & Hyderabad - [Carnatic Music & Mohiniyattam Performances](https://mytribe.in/samarpanamohiniyattam/carnatic-vocal-music-classes/featured) by Samarpana · Carnatic Vocal Music Classes · In-person classes at studio in Gottigere, Bengaluru - [The Rhythmic World of Tablagram](https://mytribe.in/this_is_tablagram/tabla-percussion-lessons/featured) by Tablagram · Tabla & Percussion Lessons · Online classes worldwide and in-person at academy in Delhi NCR - [Kuchipudi Performances and Professional Training](https://mytribe.in/kim-aham-school-of-dance/kuchipudi-classes-workshops/featured) by Avijit Das · Kuchipudi Classes & Workshops · Online & In-person classes at Whitefield studio ## Book To book Kalavadhyam, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Namaskaram%2C%20I%20am%20interested%20in%20joining%20the%20Kalavadhyam%20Gurukulam%20for%20Chenda%20classes.%20Could%20you%20please%20share%20the%20details%3F)