Nilambur: Abandoned coconut shells are more than just fuel for fire — they can be reborn as stunning works of art. Ratheesh, a resident of Iyyamadam Kotta in Nilambur, has proved this by crafting a veena entirely out of discarded coconut shells.

The true value of his creation becomes evident when you hear that someone once offered him Rs 1 lakh for it — a price that far exceeds even that of a famed Tanjavur veena, which typically starts at around Rs 30,000.

Ratheesh, who works in building construction, neither plays the veena nor sings. In fact, he had only ever seen one before. His inspiration came years ago when he spotted a miniature veena — no bigger than the palm of a hand — at the Mysore Palace.

Choosing coconut shells for the project was a natural decision. Ratheesh had earlier made flower pots using the same material. At construction sites, he would collect discarded shells left behind by locals. From this collection, he picked the most suitable ones, smoothened them with sandpaper, polished them, and joined them using gum. His design was inspired by the veena held by Goddess Saraswati in the figurine at his home prayer room.

The process was painstaking and slow. Ratheesh worked on the instrument every day — starting at 4:30 a.m. before leaving for work and continuing late into the night after returning home. His wife, Geethu, and children Nived, Navaneeth, and Nivedika also pitched in. It took him six months to complete the masterpiece.

The project required seven large sacks of coconut shells and four kilograms of gum. On the advice of a relative who plays the guitar, Ratheesh purchased veena strings from a music store in Kozhikode. Though he didn’t initially know how to tie the strings, he eventually figured it out and fitted them perfectly.

Word soon spread about his creation, drawing several veena players eager to see it. Ratheesh beams with pride when they tell him it rivals the celebrated Tanjavur veena in sound and craftsmanship. The instrument measures 5.5 feet in length and weighs about 10 kilograms.

A visitor from Tamil Nadu, deeply impressed, offered Rs 1 lakh for the instrument. When Ratheesh politely declined, the man requested that if he ever decided to sell it, he should inform him first.

Apart from this remarkable veena, Ratheesh has also made elegant concrete flower pots that now adorn several establishments across Nilambur — each one reflecting the same patience, skill, and creativity that went into his unique musical masterpiece.