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The Gurukulam: Traditional Kerala Percussion Training

byKalavadhyamOnline classes and in-person at 7 Kalari locations across BengaluruStarts from₹1,200 per monthView full gallery

We preserve the authentic rhythm of Kerala’s temple arts. Join our Gurukulam in Bengaluru to learn the Chenda, Ilathaalam, and more through our disciplined Saadhakam method.

Admissions are open for our new Chenda Kalari batch at the Ramamurthy Nagar branch. This video shows students of all ages engaged in 'Saadhakam', the disciplined practice that forms the core of our teaching.

A glimpse into a practice session where our students come together to perfect their craft. The collective energy in the room is a testament to their shared dedication to the Chenda.

Our Chenda classes in Bengaluru bring together a diverse group of students. Here you can see them learning together, building a community around the shared love for Kerala's temple arts.

Another view of a Chenda class at our academy in Bangalore. We believe in living the tradition and culture, and it starts right here in our Kalari.

Students deeply focused during a 'Saadhakam' session at our academy. This practice on wooden blocks is essential for mastering the complex rhythms of the Chenda.

A look inside our Panchavadhyam Maddhalam class. Our Gurukulam teaches the full range of temple instruments, ensuring the entire tradition is passed on.

The future artists of Kalavadhyam honing their skills. This close-up shows our young students practicing on stone blocks, a crucial step in their journey to becoming percussionists.

A short tutorial explaining the 'Ganapathi Kai', a fundamental hand movement in Chenda. We offer both in-person classes in Bengaluru and online courses through our Kalavadhyam Gurukulam.

A dynamic view of a Chenda and Ilathalam practice session. Students learn to synchronize and create the powerful sound of a full melam ensemble.

Our guru demonstrates the 'tha ki tta' rhythm pattern to young students. This direct, hands-on instruction is a hallmark of the Gurukulam system.

About The Gurukulam: Our Training Method

We believe in building a foundation before picking up the drum. In our Kalari, every student begins with Saadhakam, the rigorous practice of rhythm patterns on wooden or stone blocks. This is not a shortcut, but the traditional way to build the muscle memory and discipline necessary to master the Chenda. You will not touch the drum until your hands and ears are ready to respect its voice.

800+ students trained in Kerala percussion. — Approved by the tribe
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Kalavadhyam

Online classes and in-person at 7 Kalari locations across BengaluruStarts from ₹1,200 per month

We are Kalavadhyam, a family of percussionists dedicated to keeping Kerala’s temple art forms alive here in Bengaluru. For us, this is not just an academy; it is a space to honor our lineage and share the emotion of the melam. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to refine your skill, we invite you to join our Kalari and learn with passion.

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