Drum beats during election campaigns is a common sight as artistes involved in creating the blaring music said that their livelihood is ensured only during such occasions.

With mercury crossing 43 degree Celsius here, their energy level did not stop in playing the drums as they feel that they are crucial in seeking the attention of the people during campaigns. Generally a team of artistes, comprising five to 10 persons, were given the job during the campaigns. “Our job is to bring the people who are inside their house so that the contesting candidate can seek votes,” said V. Kuppuraj (25), who is involved in beating drums for over seven years. He said that the size of the troupe depends on the requirements and the political party and added that they are most sought after during campaigns.

Artistes said most of them are daily wage earners and only during elections they take up the job of playing drums. “The demand for musical instruments is low and are sought only during elections,” said M. Subburaj (22).

“It’s our tradition to play drums and hence we continue it,” he added. They said that they have their own uniforms and perform in groups and go around every street in a particular locality everyday. “For three to four weeks we get work after which we have to go in search of other jobs,” they added.

Their campaigning starts from 7 a.m. and end up late in the evening. Despite intense heat, they have to perform throughout the day to cover the areas as instructed by the party functionary.