Mumbai’s Malayali community is set to experience the vibrant spirit and grandeur of Kerala’s traditional percussion heritage as ‘Chendamelam Arangettam’ takes centre stage on Sunday, June 21, at the Sree Ayyappa Vishnu Temple, Powai.
Organised by Vidya Nritya Sadan (VNS Studio), the cultural programme will be held from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, celebrating Kerala’s rich musical traditions while introducing the younger generation of Malayalis in Mumbai to the enduring art of Chenda Melam.
The event seeks to preserve and promote Kerala’s traditional percussion culture among the diaspora, while offering Mumbai’s art enthusiasts an authentic and enriching cultural experience.
A group of dedicated students, who have undergone rigorous training under renowned percussion maestros Guru Anil Pothuval and Ooramana Vinod Marar, will present their debut public performance through this Arangettam.
The debut performers are:- Pranav Nair, Rajin Rajan P, Mohanakumaran M, Rama Vivek Menon, Vineeth Nair,
Mamatha M. Pillai, Haridasan Nair, Suresh Raghavan, Adarsh Suresh, Snehraag Raghavan,
Ashokan Pattali and Padmanabhan Nair
Enhancing the significance of the cultural evening, eminent personalities from Kerala’s percussion fraternity will grace the occasion as chief guests.
Celebrated Chenda maestro and Padma Shri awardee Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar, along with noted percussion artist Panamanna Sasi Pothuval, will felicitate and bless the budding artistes, encouraging their commitment to carrying forward Kerala’s rich artistic legacy in Mumbai.
Vidya Nritya Sadan’s initiative to nurture and transmit Kerala’s traditional performing arts to future generations reflects the Malayali community’s dedication to preserving its cultural heritage. The event promises to be a meaningful celebration of culture, rhythm, and tradition.
Melam Ensemble
Idanthala : Kaavuvattam Anil Pothuval, Panamanna Sasi Pothuval and VNS Students, Powai, Mumbai
Kombu : Aneesh Karukutty, Vineesh Pothuval and Rajesh Raju.
Kuzhal : Ajith Karukutty and Anil Karukutty.
Valamthala : Ooramana Vinod Marar, Kalakshetram Sanjeev, Kalakshetra Vinay, Kalakshetra Vijesh
KKVSM Sujith, KKVSM Drishya and KKVSM Swathi.
Ilathalam : Vishanth Athani, Kalakshetram Nithish, Kalakshetram Ranjish, Kalakshetra Nithin, Kalakshetra Prasannan, Kalakshetra Binu, KKVSM Vishal and
KKVSM Ashrith.
The resonant rhythms of Kerala will once again echo through Mumbai, bringing together generations in a shared celebration of the timeless tradition of Chenda Melam. For more details contact Anil Pothuval on +919323139600