Thu Jan 15 13:15:06 UTC 2026: # Kerala School Arts Festival: Percussion Ensembles Delight Despite Modest Turnout in Thrissur

The Story:

The 64th Kerala State School Arts Festival in Thrissur witnessed enthusiastic performances of traditional percussion ensembles like ‘Panchari melam’ and ‘Adantha melam’ on January 15, 2026. Despite the energetic displays by student participants at the Holy Family CGHSS, the turnout for the Chenda Melam (HSS) competition was lower than anticipated. While some attributed this to the local familiarity with the art form, the passion of the performers and the infectious rhythms captivated the audience, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Key Points:

  • The Chenda Melam (HSS) competition took place on January 15, 2026, at the Holy Family CGHSS in Thrissur as part of the 64th Kerala State School Arts Festival.
  • The student performers presented complex rhythmic structures of ‘Panchari melam’ and ‘Adantha melam’.
  • K.V. Manoj, principal of Government Higher Secondary School, Vaduvanchal, expressed disappointment at the lower-than-expected turnout.
  • M.I. Haseena, a teacher from Palakkad, suggested the local audience may have opted for other arts due to familiarity with percussion performances.
  • The event inspired audience participation, including a three-year-old child tapping along with the music.
  • Seventeen-year-old twins K.V. Anjitha and K.V. Anjana from GHSS Vaduvanchal, Wayanad, highlighted the underrepresentation of women in playing the Chenda.
  • Sreehari Vinod of St. Joseph’s BHSS, Kozhikode, mentioned the extensive training required for the challenging Adantha melam.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kerala State School Arts Festival continues to serve as a platform for showcasing traditional art forms and the talent of young performers.
  • Audience turnout for specific events may vary depending on local context and preferences.
  • The passion and dedication of the student participants are essential in preserving and promoting these traditional art forms.
  • There is a need to highlight and encourage the participation of women in traditionally male-dominated art forms like Chenda Melam.
  • The event demonstrated the unifying power of percussion music, bringing people together in a shared rhythmic experience.

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