Urumi Melam is an inseparable part of Thaipusam. In a recent interview, Prabu Krishnan, one of the few remaining craftsmen in Selangor with over 20 years of experience shared his insights into this traditional instrument.
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00:00While different drums echo through religious ceremonies in Malaysia, one particular drum
00:16stands out in Thaipusam.
00:21The Urumi Melam doesn't just create music.
00:26These sacred South Indian drums' pulsating rhythms are believed to help Kavadi bearers
00:31enter a spiritual trance as they fulfil their vows during Thaipusam.
00:57Prabhu Krishnan is one of the few remaining craftsmen in Selangor with over 20 years of
01:03experience.
01:04In a recent interview with a star, Prabhu took us behind the scenes to his two workshops
01:10in Klang, where Urumi Melam comes to life.
01:56Prabhu says the Urumi Melam drums are made from a combination of imported and local materials.
02:24He said the drums' wooden shell is crafted from wood, such as jackfruit tree, imported
02:29from parts of Tamil Nadu in India.
02:54Besides making and repairing Urumi Melam, Prabhu
03:23also trains players who go on to perform in the Urumi Melam troupe.
03:53The demand for Thaipusam is huge, because Thaipusam is a world-renowned art form.
04:41The demand for Thaipusam is huge, because Thaipusam is a world-renowned art form.
05:11Thaipusam is a world-renowned art form.