GURUKRIPA INSTITUTE OF FOLK ARTS & CULTURE
Chenda
Chenda Kalari by Gurukripa
Preserving Tradition. Inspiring Generations. Connecting the World Through Chenda.
Online Chenda Classes | Learn Kerala's Traditional Percussion Worldwide
Join Gurukripa Institute of Folk Arts & Culture for professional Chenda training, cultural education, certification, and authentic handcrafted instruments.
Our Vision
Our Mission
Meet the Founder
Meet Our Founder & Heritage Keeper
“Chenda Kalari was established to create a structured global platform for learning authentic Chenda rhythm traditions.”
Gurukripa Institute of Folk Arts & Culture was founded by the renowned traditional artist Sri. V. Bhanu Assan, whose lifelong dedication to Kerala’s folk and percussion traditions earned him four State Awards from prestigious cultural institutions including the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi and Kerala Folklore Academy. His remarkable contribution to preserving traditional arts was also honoured by the President of India.
Continuing this rich heritage, Dr. Prasood S. P. (Prasood Gurukripa), grandson of Sri. V. Bhanu Assan, carries forward this tradition as a Chenda artist, cultural educator, researcher, and founder of Chenda Kalari by Gurukripa.
Through Chenda Kalari by Gurukripa, the educational wing of Gurukripa Institute of Folk Arts & Culture, Dr. Prasood has trained thousands of students from India and around the world in Chenda Melam and Kerala’s traditional performing arts.
• Chenda Melam
• Panchari Melam
• Singari Melam
• Thiruvathirakkali
• Charadupinnikkali
• Kakkarissi Natakam
• Folk Orchestra
With a unique blend of traditional knowledge, scientific research experience, and modern teaching approaches, Dr. Prasood aims to make Kerala’s living heritage accessible to learners across the world while maintaining the authenticity of traditional practices.
Dr. Prasood S. P. (Prasood Gurukripa)
Founder & Director
Chenda Kalari by Gurukripa
Professional Highlights
🥁 Chenda Artist & Cultural Educator
🎓 Ph.D. in Geology
🔬 Research Associate (Scientist), Centre for Environment and Development (CED)
🏆 Recipient of Diamond Jubilee Fellowship, Government of Kerala
🎓 Trainer of University of Kerala Folk Orchestra Team
🏅 Contributed to the university’s success in South Zone and National Inter-University competitions
🌍 Trained students from India and abroad
Sri. V. Bhanu Assan & Dr. Prasood Gurukripa
Founder, Chenda Kalari
The Art & Discipline
The Science Behind Chenda
Learning Chenda is more than mastering rhythms. It develops physical endurance, mental focus, teamwork, discipline, and cultural understanding, making it a unique art form that nurtures both the mind and body.
Strength & Endurance
Develops physical stamina, strength, and endurance required for energetic performances that can last several hours.
Rhythm & Precision
Improves timing, coordination, and rhythmic accuracy through structured practice and traditional learning techniques.
Teamwork & Coordination
Encourages collaboration by synchronizing rhythms with fellow performers during ensemble performances.
Focus & Active Listening
Strengthens concentration and attentive listening, essential for maintaining rhythm, balance, and harmony within the group.
At Chenda Kalari by Gurukripa, every lesson combines traditional wisdom with structured learning to develop confident performers and responsible cultural ambassadors.
About Chenda Kalari by Gurukripa
Preserving Kerala's Living Heritage Through Traditional Arts Education
Chenda Kalari by Gurukripa, the educational initiative of Gurukripa Institute of Folk Arts & Culture, is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and passing on Kerala’s rich tradition of percussion and folk arts through authentic, structured training.
Founded on the artistic legacy of Sri. V. Bhanu Assan and guided by Dr. Prasood S. P. (Prasood Gurukripa), our institution combines traditional Gurukula values with modern teaching methods to make Kerala’s cultural heritage accessible to students across India and around the world.
As a registered cultural organization (Reg. No. T3436/2000) based in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, we have been nurturing artists, performers, and cultural enthusiasts for more than 32 years.
Today, Chenda Kalari serves as a global learning platform where students of all ages and backgrounds develop artistic excellence, cultural understanding, discipline, teamwork, and confidence through traditional performing arts.
Our Training Programmes
• Chenda Melam
• Panchari Melam
• Singari Melam
• Pandimelam
• Thiruvathirakkali
• Charadupinnikkali
• Kakkarissi Natakam
• Folk Orchestra
• Kurumkuzhal
• Traditional Music & Folk Arts
Why Choose Chenda Kalari?
✓ More than 32 years of teaching excellence
✓ 10000+ students trained from India and abroad
✓ Led by an experienced researcher, cultural educator, and Chenda artist
✓ Structured curriculum for beginners to advanced learners
✓ Online and offline learning opportunities
✓ Authentic handcrafted Chenda instruments
✓ Certification-based learning pathway
✓ Dedicated to preserving Kerala’s intangible cultural heritage
GURUKULAM PROGRAMS
Explore Our Classes
Traditional Chenda Training
- ✔ Beginner to Advanced Levels
- ✔ Online & On-Campus Learning
- ✔ Traditional Techniques & Performance Training
- ✔ Structured Certification Pathway
Live Online Chenda Classes
- ✔ Live Interactive Classes
- ✔ Small Batch Learning
- ✔ Flexible Time Zones
- ✔ Specially Designed for International Students
Temple & Stage Performance Training
- ✔ Festival & Temple Performance Training
- ✔ Stage Performance Skills
- ✔ Ensemble Coordination
- ✔ Real-World Performance Experience
Kerala Folk Arts Programme
- ✔ Traditional Cultural Performances
- ✔ Charadupinnikali
- ✔ Kakkarissi Natakam
- ✔ Kambadavukali
Program Durations
Cultural Experience
1-Day Experience
- Introduction to Chenda
- Basic rhythms
- Cultural orientation
- Certificate of Participation
Weekend Workshop
- Chenda basics
- Rhythm exercises
- Group practice
Foundation Course
- Basic lessons
- Rhythm discipline
- Practice methods
- Level 1 Assessment
Advanced Course
- Panchari Melam
- Pandimelam
- Singari Melam
- Stage performance
- Certification
Art Forms Introduced
Chenda Melam
Thiruvathirakkali
Charadupinnikkali
Kakkarissi Natakam
Kambadavukkali
WHY CHOOSE CHENDA KALARI?
Discover the Authentic Tradition of Kerala's Percussion Heritage
At Chenda Kalari by Gurukripa, we combine the timeless values of the traditional Gurukula system with structured, modern teaching methods. Our mission is to preserve Kerala's rich cultural heritage while making authentic Chenda education accessible to learners around the world.
- 30+ Years of Cultural Excellence
- Experienced Faculty & Traditional Gurus
- Structured Learning Pathway
- Global Learning Community
- Authentic Performance Experience
- Research-Driven Teaching
Taking Kerala's Rhythm to the World
Bringing Kerala's Living Heritage to the World
Chenda Kalari by Gurukripa has grown into a global learning community connecting students across continents through live online classes, cultural exchange, and authentic traditional training.
Whether you are a beginner, a professional musician, or someone passionate about Kerala’s culture, our programmes are designed to help you learn with confidence while preserving the spirit of this living tradition.
What Our Students Say
Students from India and around the world have joined Chenda Kalari to experience Kerala's traditional percussion and folk arts. Here are a few of their learning experiences.
Instrument Sales & Rental
Traditional Chenda Instruments & Accessories
Handcrafted Traditional Instruments from Kerala
At Chenda Kalari by Gurukripa, we offer authentic handcrafted Chenda instruments and accessories for students, performers, cultural organizations, and institutions worldwide. Every instrument is carefully prepared by experienced artisans to ensure excellent sound quality, durability, and traditional craftsmanship.
Whether you are beginning your learning journey or preparing for professional performances, we help you choose the right instrument for your needs.
🟧 Order an Instrument
🟧 Request a Quote
Instrument Rental Service
We offer flexible rental solutions for students learning Chenda, workshop participants, performers, and those with short-term practice needs. Our instruments are well-maintained and ready for both training and stage performance.
🥁 Chenda
🥁 Valamthala
🥁 Edamthala
🥁 Ilathalam
🥁 Sticks (Kol)
🥁 Carry Bags
🥁 Complete Chenda Sets
INSTRUMENT RENTAL SERVICE
Need an instrument for a short period?
We provide flexible rental options for:
✔ Workshops
✔ Cultural Events
✔ Temple Performances
✔ Stage Programmes
✔ Students Visiting Kerala
✔ Practice Sessions
All rental instruments are professionally maintained and performance-ready.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
Worldwide Delivery
We carefully pack and ship authentic Chenda instruments to students and cultural organizations across the globe.
✔ Secure Packaging
✔ International Courier Support
✔ Shipping Assistance
✔ Order Tracking