the chenda is mainly played in hindu temple festivals and as an accompaniment in the religious art forms of kerala. the chenda is used as an accompaniment for kathakali, koodiyattam, kannyar kali, theyyam and among many forms of dances and rituals in kerala. it is also played in a dance-drama called yakshagana (tenku thittu) which is popular in tulu nadu in karnataka. there is a variant of this instrument used in northern school of yakshagana called chande. it is traditionally considered to be an "asura vadyam" ((demonic instrument)) which means it cannot go in harmony. chenda is an inevitable musical instrument in all form of cultural activities in kerala.