Hyderabad’s Marfa bands see bookings soar ahead of Ganesh immersion

Hyderabad’s Marfa bands are witnessing a sharp rise in bookings ahead of Ganesh immersion, with popular troupes charging up to Rs. 60,000. The Afro-Arab percussion tradition remains an integral part of the city’s festive culture, drawing bookings locally and overseas

Hyderabad: With bookings for Ganesh Aghaman and Ganesh Nimajjanam processions already under way, Marfa bands in Hyderabad are witnessing a sharp rise in demand, with organisers paying between Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 40,000 for a performance. The demand is expected to peak on immersion day, when popular troupes are commanding as much as Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 60,000.

Marfa bandmasters said bookings are being made well in advance as organisers seek larger and better-known troupes for the lengthy processions. The bands are expected to maintain their high-tempo beats for several hours, making them an integral part of the festive atmosphere.

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For Marfa artists, Ganesh Chaturthi is among the busiest periods of the year. Saleh Hadrami, band head of the Nizam Arabi Marfa Party from Shah Ali Banda, said his troupe has around 50 artists, a majority of whom attend celebrations. “We have been doing this for the past 25 years here,” he said.

Hadrami said the troupe could perform at two to four functions a day during Ganesh Chaturthi. It also receives bookings from districts in Telangana, other States and overseas, including Dubai.

Marfa, with its powerful percussion and energetic performances, has been part of the city’s festive culture since the Nizam era. The Afro-Arab tradition, associated with the Siddi and Hadhrami communities, uses instruments including the Marfa or Kasir Mufaltah, daff, dhol, steel pots and wooden thapi.

Mohammed Yousuf, owner of the Arabi Marfa Band, said audiences enjoy both Arabic compositions and local numbers, including songs such as “Saali ke Bagh” and “Kankariya Maar ke Jagaya”.

Saber Bashar, who has played Arabic music for around four decades, said Marfa is essentially a percussion tradition. “There are no strings or wind instruments, only drumming,” he said.