MALAYSIA, January 22, 2016 (The Star): The sound emanating from the urumee, a double-headed hourglass-shaped drum commonly used by village musicians in south India, easily attracts a crowd. During Thaipusam, urumee melam (drum beat) groups typically accompany kavadi and milk pot bearers to give them strength and courage to fulfil their vows.
In Malaysia, especially Perak, the urumee is used by musical groups specialising in traditional folk songs and it is seen during Hindu religious ceremonies such as Thaipusam. For M. Guna Seelan, 26, he was so mesmerised by the sound created by the drum that he decided to form an urumee melam group comprising of youngsters who are passionate about traditional and folk music.
Many believe that the urumee possesses supernatural and sacred powers. When played during religious ceremonies, specific beats and songs could lead a person into a trance state. “They will go into a trance because of the vibration from the drum. Before that, they have to fast before fulfilling their vow and during their prayers, on the way to the temple, they should not have any outside disturbance. The group will play the instrument and sing devotional songs to ensure that their mind is fully focused on the vow,” said Seelan.