Young Kerala woman masters Thayambaka art

Breaking stereotypes, 21-year-old Anamika, has learnt Thayambaka art, a men's forte and made her debut performance on the occasion of Vishu at Punnappala Siva temple. Like a maestro, she reached a crescendo during her performance.

Malappuram: Thayambaka, a traditional percussion ensemble concert in Chenda Vadhyam (traditional drum in Kerala), has always been a men’s forte. Anamika, an unassuming 21-year-old woman broke the stereotype, showcased her skill and finesse, with her transcending Chenda performance leading to a crescendo like a maestro.

Anamika learned the art of Thayambaka from the Chenda Vadhya Training Centre at the Punnappala Kathakali Club. Her Arangettam (the debut public performance in traditional art forms) was on the day of Vishu at Punnappala Siva temple. Kalamandalam Raghu Vellinezhi is Anamika’s trainer (Ashaan) in playing Chenda. She has been learning the instrument since 2018.

During Covid lockdown, she attended online training classes. Anamika has now gained expertise by starting with Chembadavattom, escalating to Madhyama Kalam and reaching a crescendo through Eda Vattom and Eda Nila through Irikida (referring to speed scales and ensemble patterns).

Within a very short period of training, this final year graduation student has been able to perform like an experienced maestro in the percussion art of Thayambaka.

Anamika is the eldest daughter of E V Vijayakumar, an accountant working in Malappuram Government College and T Ranjini. She said that it is her passion for Chenda instrument that fueled her in mastering the art.