Breaking barriers at Thrissur Pooram: Aswathi and Archana make history as first women to play chenda

In a space traditionally dominated by men, two young women are all set to break new grounds by playing the chenda, a major percussion instrument, at the famed Pooram festival. Aswathi Jithin and Archana Anoop, both natives of Poonkunnam, will make history as they perform as right-hand chenda artists in the Kanimangalam percussion ensemble.

The duo will participate in the full procession that begins with the entry of Kanimangalam Shastha through the southern gopuram (temple gate), continuing through the temple premises, and concluding with the exit through the western gopuram and the deity's circumambulation around the sanctum. Although a girl named Hridya had played the flute (kurunkuzhal) at last year’s Pooram, this is the first time women are taking part in the festival with the chenda — the main percussion instrument.

Aswathi’s childhood memories of Pooram are closely tied to her father, C Nandakumar, who was once the secretary of the Kanimangalam Pooram coordination committee. After marrying percussionist Jithin Kallat, she was inspired to begin learning the chenda. She went on to become the first woman to receive a Cultural Department scholarship in the instrument.

Aswathi’s debut performance will be at the percussion ensemble of the "ghatakapooram" led by her husband Jithin. Their son Advaith will also be present, playing the ilathalam (cymbals), adding a sweet dimension to the occasion.

Archana, a disciple of Jithin and a trained dancer, was drawn to the chenda after observing her son Uddhav's chenda classes. She is married to Merchant Navy captain Anoop Mohan.

Hridha, a native of Pongankad and an MBA student, will return this year with her father to play the kurunkuzhal in the Karamukku Bhagavathy percussion ensemble. Divya Krishna from Panamukku will join the same team with the kombu (horn). Anvitha (Class 6) and Anushree (Class 8), both from Machad, will also play the kombu, while Lakshminanda (Class 7) from Kanimangalam and Rihana Raju from Panamukku will perform on the kuzhal (flute) in the Panamukkumpilly ensemble.