How to book dappu and teenmar drummers
Dappu is a frame drum played with two sticks, and one of the defining sounds of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh: dappu and teenmar drums lead the dancing at Bonalu, at Ganesh immersions, and at many weddings and rallies. Few troupes publish prices. The figures seen in 2026 range from about ₹10,000 for a short baraat set to ₹30,000 and more for a full event, depending on how many drummers come and for how long.
Updated 19 October 2026
What is dappu?
The dappu is a one-sided frame drum, traditionally a skin stretched over a wooden frame, played with two light sticks. Unlike the dhol, which is a two-sided barrel drum, it is held up and struck on one face. Many troupes now play synthetic drums as well as leather ones.
Dappu has traditionally been made and played by the Madiga community. Its rhythms have been part of village festivals, weddings and funerals for generations, and part of Telangana's social and statehood movements. Telangana's culture department has run training programmes to keep the art alive.
Where is it played?
- Bonalu, where devotees dance to dappu and teenmar drums along the procession
- Ganesh immersion processions in Hyderabad and across both states
- Weddings: some families book a dappu group for the groom's arrival or the baraat
- Village festivals and fairs, rallies and celebrations
How much does dappu cost?
Prices depend on the number of drummers, how long they play and the date. Few troupes publish rates; what we found in 2026:
- A Hyderabad wedding guide put a short baraat set of 8 to 12 drummers, for about 30 to 45 minutes, at around ₹10,000 to ₹25,000.
- A Hyderabad dappu troupe listed on a wedding site starts at ₹30,000 per event, and asks for a 50% advance to confirm.
On Booksyte, you set your budget when you post, and troupes apply with their own fee.
How to book
- Fix the date, the start time and where the procession or performance happens.
- Decide how long you need them: a short set for the arrival, or the whole procession.
- Ask each troupe how many drummers come, whether dancers come too, and what they wear.
- Agree the advance and when the rest is paid. On Booksyte you choose this when you post: after the function, or a 25% or 50% advance.
- Share the route and a contact person for the day.
Before the day, check
- Number of drummers, start time and how long they play
- Whether you want dancers, costumes, or both
- Travel, if the venue is outside the troupe's town
- The procession route, and whether you need police permission for it
- Sound rules: in 2024 Hyderabad police banned DJ systems, amplifiers and firecrackers in religious processions and restricted loudspeakers at night. Check with the troupe and local police what applies to your route and time.