Chennai: Amid the devastation that has been caused by COVID-19, the world of performing arts is facing days of silence.
In Tamil tradition, Nathaswaram and Thavil artistes, known for their music of fortune, are going through 'unfortunate' days.
Until a few months ago, they were playing in temples, weddings, and films. And now, they are struggling for their livelihoods.
The trauma of the pandemic has put several such artistes in a very difficult position.
As temples closed down and events/weddings got cancelled, these musicians saw their earnings disappear.
The Nathaswaram and Thavil artistes mostly belong to the “Isai Vellalar” community from Thanjavur and Nagapattinam districts.
"Those who had booked us before the lockdown for weddings, during the Chitra and Vaikasi months, are now asking for a refund of advances made to us," told Saravanan.
Most musicians are anxious that they will not be able to get any finances and have resorted to welfare associations.
They have now appealed to the government for separate welfare and relief board so that they may get subsidies just like unorganised sector workers.
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