Chakki and Veena

Chakki loves music alot. As I have told in the previous posts, she considers music as inevittable part of her life. In her happy and sad moods, music has played a big role. You may think that Chakki is a 'professional' singer. Sorry sir, Sorry Ma'am- Chakki is not a singer. But she sings well.

Then for what Chakki is famous for ? Chakki plays Veena- the Indian musical instrument used in Carnatic music. Chakki started practising Veena long ago. She plays Veena and enjoys others also. She used to go for Veena classes when she was having leisure time.

There are several variations of the veena. Basically, it is a string instrument with two gourd resonators connected by a central shaft, possibly of bamboo, and held diagonally from lap to shoulder. The veena has seven strings. Of them four are main strings that pass over the frets and are attached to the pegs of the neck. The other strings are used as side strings for rhythmic accompaniment. These strings pass over an arched bridge made of brass. They lie flat over the top of the body and are secured to the main bridge.

There are many variations of Veena- Rudra Veena and Vichitra veena are important among them. In hindu mythology,. the patron Hindu Goddess of learning and the arts, Saraswati, is often depicted seated upon a swan playing a veena. Many references to the veena are made in old Sanskrit and Tamil literature, and musical compositions.

It was Chakki's own decision to go for Veena classes. She practised to play Veena in a music institute in Ernakulam. From her own experience, it proves that knowledge of any domain is always an asset to our life.

An old photo - Chakki playing Veena