Welcome
Welcome to Chicago kalakshetra. We are a non profitable organization to foster the traditional Hindu temple arts of Kerala, India to the people of Kerala (or Indian) origin, living in the United States of America, nurture goodwill and understanding between people of India and the United States of America through education and cultural exchanges.
COVID 19 Outbreak – Kalolsavam 2020 is postponed.
In the wake of growing health concerns and fear related to the COVID-19 outbreak in the US, Chicago Kalakshetra has decided to postpone Kalolsavam 2020 event that was scheduled for Saturday, March 14th. Celebrating and promoting young talent in the Chicagoland area each year is very important to us, but we wish to do so in a manner that ensures the health and safety of the families and friends of all participants, patrons and volunteers.
We will continue to monitor the situation and consider rescheduling Kalolsavam 2020 to a later date. In the event we are unable to do so, we will refund the registration fees to all participants. Those who may find the rescheduled date to be inconvenient may request a refund of their registration fees.
When available, updates on Kalolsavam 2020 will posted via email and on this website
Our Activities
Panchavadyam
Panchavadyam, literally meaning an orchestra of five instruments, is basically a temple art form that has evolved in Kerala. Of the five instruments, four — timila, maddalam, ilathalam and idakka — belong to the percussion category, while the fifth one, kombu, is a wind instrument.
Chicago Kalakshetra is proud to have an amazing Panchavadyam team lead by Shri Ajikumar Bhaskaran. Chicago Kalakshetra team plays Panchavadyam during every year at Vishu, Onam and also have played during other occasions in various different stages in different states in the United States
Chenda Melam
Chenda is a cylindrical drum instrument played in the state of Kerala. Chenda is often played inside the temples during various events. Chicago Kalakshetra teaches and plays Chenda Melam which includes Panchari Melam also known as Ilanjithara Melam, Chembada Melam and Srinkari Melam.
Chicago Kalakshetra has performed Chenda Melams at various different stages among different communities.
Malayalam and Bhajan classes
We at Chicago Kalakshetra realizes how important it is to promote the traditional values among our children, hence apart from having Panchavadyam and Chenda classes, we also teach Malayalam classes which includes teaching letters, spoken Malayalam also introduce children to our ancient Indian epics such as Ramayana, Mahabharata and other short stories.
The classes are held in the Naperville area, please contact us for more information