Hyderabad: Costly music bands make party dearer during Ganesh festival

Hyderabad: Increasing rentals of bands in the city have surprised many Ganesh festival organisers. From Shari Band to the traditional dappu and marfa, the bands are charging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000. They charge Rs 2,000 per head for the days before the main immersion. For the last day, it will be Rs 4,000 for a few hours. The price doubles if one books a DJ and a sound system.

Mr Nelson Ram Mohan of Red Hills said, “Most organisers opt for Jalna Band from Maharashtra, Shari Band, Dappu, Dilam-Palam and Mangal Bajaa Band. They comprise 10 members. The number can be increased. Most of them are based at Nampally.”

Mr Mohan said he had booked a dappu for Rs 26,000 for the last day. “The prices increase as it gets closer to immersion day. For other days they charge a package price, but for immersion day, we will have to pay Rs 4000 per head. Usually the duration is five-six hours, however, if extended, they demand extra payment,” he said.

Mr Kaveen Kavidi of Chilkalguda added, “Last year I paid Rs 20,000 for a 10-member band. The same group is demanding Rs 30,000 this year, saying that the demand has increased. For weddings they are booked as a package, it depends on number of men and other arrangements like lighting.” The band members meanwhile say that these are few occasions that help them earn their living for the year.