Chenda is a drum from the South Indian states of
Kerala and
Karnataka. It is cylindrical in shape and is two feet in length and about a foot in diameter. It has heads on both ends but only one side is played. The drummer suspends the chenda from his neck in such a way that it hangs more or less vertically. He strikes the upper parchment with two sticks held in both the hands.
Chenda is an indispensable accompaniment for the Kathakali. In Karnataka, Chenda is used in the dance drama known as Yaksha Gana.
