The Ramjogi community is found in the remote villages of
Srikakulam,
East Godavari,
Guntur,
Prakasam and
Nalgonda districts in
Andhra Pradesh. This community is also known by as 'Saayila Vallu' and 'Buda Budakkala Vallu.' The members of this community visit different villages during the
Makara Sankranti festival and sing devotional songs dedicated to Goddess ‘Amba’, which is followed by prayers to the village deities.
The members of the Ramjogi community use a small drum called ‘bud-budaka’ while reciting the devotional songs. This drum contains threads attached with beads on the ends. The sound is produced by shaking the drum vigorously in a horizontal rotational fashion.
The livelihood of the Ramjogi community depends on alms they get by singing. They also claim to have the power to predict the future. Their presence in the village is believed to be auspicious. They dress in white ‘dhoti’ (loincloth), a white shirt, a black coat and a red colored turban. The forehead is adorned with a black mark and sandal wood paste, while the ears are ornamented with large rings.
