Sri Ayyappa Kalalayam Chenda Melam

Sri Ayyappa Kalalayam Chenda Melam is located at No 395 2/260 Bangaru Chetti Line, on Tharamangalam Main Road in Salem. We are near the Little Star Primary School in Suramangalam. If you live around here, you’ve probably heard our drums practicing in the evenings. We are a group of performers and coordinators who specialize in the traditional Chenda Melam. This isn't just a business for us; it’s something we have been doing for a long time as part of our culture. The work is physically demanding. Carrying those heavy drums and playing for hours in the sun takes a lot of stamina. Our place in Suramangalam is where we keep the instruments and gather before we head out to a performance. It’s usually a bit loud when we are around, but the neighbors are used to it by now. We don't have a big marketing department or any corporate structure. Usually, people just come by the house or call us up when they have a festival or a wedding coming up. We spend a lot of time maintaining the drums and making sure the straps are strong. It is honest work that keeps us connected to our roots. When we are not performing, we are usually just hanging out at the shop on Tharamangalam Main Road, talking about the next gig and making sure everyone knows their parts. It is a simple life centered around music.