This Muslim family has played Nadaswaram at temple for five generations

At a time the State’s coastal areas have been recently plagued by communal discord, Sheik Jaleel Saheb and his family from Kaup’s Padugrama have been a model of communal peace and harmony. During the temple fair of Hosa Marigudi in Kaup, Jaleel, along with his brother Akbar, is ready to take up the venerable responsibility of playing the ‘Nadaswaram’.

For five generations the family of Jaleel Saheb has been playing the traditional wind instrument at the temple. His father, Babu Saheb, his grandfather Imam Saheb, his great-grandfather Mugdam Saheb, and his great-great-grandfather Matta Saheb, were all temple Nadaswaram players at the Marigudi temple. Being from this illustrious family Jaleel acquired the skill of playing the instrument from his father at an early age.

It is said that Mugdam Saheb, Jaleel’s great-grandfather, had been offered a gold Nadaswara at the new Marigudi temple. But, out of fear of being robbed, he refused to take it. The lords, on the other hand, attached the golden knob to the silver Nagaswara at that time. Sheikh Jaleel Saheb, who has kept it very carefully takes it to the Marigudi every Tuesday for ‘Valaga Seve’.

Jaleel also performs Kola and Ashlesha Bali rites in various locations. He is a devoted Muslim, but due to his professional commitment to Hindu festivities, he is obliged to miss certain Friday namaz prayers each year.

Jaleel, who has completed Class 9, says he is unconcerned about who in his family would carry on the sacred profession. For the past 10 years, his brother Akbar has taken up playing the Nadaswaram too.  “I have a daughter, but somebody else in my family will be selected or motivated by the Goddess to serve at her feet in the future. If this has continued for four generations, it will continue in the coming generations too,” Jaleel was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express.