The Calling Of Spirits
Urumee Melam is played typically by drummers called “Dalits” or the oppressed, to call up spirits; inducing spirit possessions and putting devotees into a trance. The Urumee Melam drums up various sounds other than the usual beat. These sounds include sounds of moaning.
One of the worlds more famous Urumee Melam band is the Chinna Rasa Urumee Melam Masana Kali, a Malaysian Urumee Melam band. They not only perform ceremonial drum beats but also more familiar modern beats from various pop songs.
Should you be interested in watching an actual Urumee Melam performance, do a search for the next Thaipusam festival celebrations here in Batu Cave, Selangor, Malaysia; and plan for your trip here.
Additional Information
Address: Batu Caves, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 1-300-88-5050
*Event organized by Gaya Travel, Tourism Selangor, Unit Perancang Ekonomi Negeri Selangor (UPEN), and Pusaka (pusaka.org)