The Rhythm of a Dream
In the heart of Kerala, where the echoes of chenda melam reverberate through the temple grounds, a young boy from Thrissur found his calling. Kalavadhyam Dheeraj Edat, a name now synonymous with dedication to Kerala’s traditional percussion arts, embarked on his musical journey at an early age. What started as an earnest pursuit of rhythm transformed into a lifelong mission to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of his homeland.
Born in Thrissur, a city known for its grand temple festivals and majestic melams, Dheeraj was drawn to the thunderous beats of the chenda from a very young age. His fascination soon turned into disciplined learning under the tutelage of renowned chenda maestros—Mohana Marar, Rajesh Marar, and Peruvanam Sankaranarayanan Marar. It was under his beloved guru, Shri Peruvanam Sankaranarayanan Marar, that Dheeraj mastered the intricate techniques and nuances of the art form.
Despite his deep-rooted passion for chenda, Dheeraj pursued higher education, earning a postgraduate degree in MBA. His professional career led him to Bengaluru, where he now works as a manager in an IT company. However, his love for percussion never waned. It was this relentless passion that led to the birth of Kalavadhyam Academy—a sanctuary for those who sought to learn and uphold the traditions of Kerala’s percussion heritage.
A Known Artist & A Dedicated Guru
Kalavadhyam Dheeraj Edat is not only an accomplished percussionist but also a highly regarded teacher, known for his dedicated and structured way of teaching. His expertise in Chenda is unparalleled, and he has specialized in performing various traditional melams, including Panchari Melam, Pandi Melam, Dhruvam Melam, Chembada Melam, Adantha Melam, Anchadantha Melam, Thayambaka & Panchavadhyam
In addition to chenda, Dheeraj is skilled in other vaadhyams, such as, Thimila, Ilathaalam, Kombu, Edakka
His versatility as a percussionist has made him one of the most sought-after artists in the field. Over the years, he has performed in numerous prestigious melam programs in Thrissur and has also led several melams in Bangalore, particularly during the Mandala season, Onam celebrations, and various temple festivals. And he leads the Kalavadhyam Kshethrolsavam's Panchari Melam held in Kollur Mookambika Temple from 2023.
The Birth of Kalavadhyam Academy
With unwavering determination, Dheeraj established Kalavadhyam Academy in 2010 in Bengaluru, a city far from his hometown but soon to become a hub for Kerala’s traditional percussion learning. What started as a humble initiative with just three students has grown into a prestigious institution that has trained over 800 students in the rhythmic art of chenda.
Kalavadhyam Academy was not just about learning an instrument; it was a movement to preserve tradition, nurture talent, and create a platform for future artists. Over the years, the academy expanded its curriculum, offering training in:
Chenda Melam
Thayambaka
Panchavadhyam
Kombu Pattu
Kuzhal Pattu
Ilathaalam
Edakka
Sopana Sangeetham
Bharatanatyam
What set Kalavadhyam apart was its emphasis on both advanced and traditional learning, ensuring that students mastered the art form in its purest essence. This commitment to authenticity earned the academy university affiliation and recognition, making it one of the most reputed institutions for Kerala’s traditional percussion arts outside the state.
Guided by Legends: The Mentors and Visiting Faculty
A great institution thrives on the wisdom of its teachers. Kalavadhyam Academy has been privileged to have some of the most revered artists as visiting faculty, including:
Peruvanam Sankaranarayanan Marar
Kombath Anilkumar - Kurum Kuzhal
Trikkur Rajan Marar - Thimila
Kalanilayam Mohandas - Maddhalam
Vidushi Divya Mani - Bharatanatyam
With their guidance, students at Kalavadhyam receive training that goes beyond technical mastery—it is an education in discipline, devotion, and the deeper spiritual significance of the art form.
Kalavadhyam’s Presence in Prestigious Festivals
Under Dheeraj’s mentorship, Kalavadhyam’s artists have performed at some of the most prestigious temple festivals in Kerala, a remarkable achievement for a Bengaluru-based academy. The students have showcased their skills at:
Karuvanthala Bharani
Peruvanam Pooram
Kanjoor Kodiyettam
Manakkodi Prathishtadhinam
Kollur Mookambika Temple
Chathakudam Shasthavu Thiruvathira Purappadu
Kadalassery Pisharikal Bhagavathy Karthika Purappadu
Thripunithura Vrischikolsavam
Kodunthirapully Maha Navami
Alappuzha Thriuvambady Kshethram
The grandest stage of them all—Thrissur Pooram
Each of these performances stands as a testament to the rigorous training and commitment to excellence fostered at Kalavadhyam.
The Pillars of Kalavadhyam
While Dheeraj Edat is the driving force behind Kalavadhyam, his dream is upheld by a strong community of dedicated mentors and senior artists.
Training and Development Leads:
Ranganath
Anoop K
Rajesh TN
Vishnu Menon
Laxminarayanan
Senior Artists & Contributors:
Subhash
Rohith
Vishnu Venugopal
Venkataraman
Rajesh Nambiar
Praveesh
Libheesh
Sujith
Pranav
Kushik
Amogh
Sabarish
Sabareesh P K
Krishnakumar
Presely
Mani Narayanan
Ranjith
Each of these individuals plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Kalavadhyam continues to thrive, imparting knowledge and inspiring the next generation of artists.
A Legacy in the Making
Dheeraj Edat’s Kalavadhyam Academy is more than just an institution—it is a beacon of tradition, a symbol of perseverance, and a testament to the power of passion. From its humble beginnings to its current stature, Kalavadhyam has remained steadfast in its mission to preserve and promote Kerala’s traditional percussion arts.
The academy's impact is evident not just in the number of students trained but in the new wave of artists it has nurtured—artists who now perform at prestigious festivals, keeping the age-old traditions alive for future generations.
At its core, Kalavadhyam is not just about playing an instrument; it is about carrying forward a rich cultural legacy. And behind it all stands Kalavadhyam Dheeraj Edat, a man who dared to dream, worked tirelessly, and created an institution that will resonate for generations to come.
