Had it been an ordinary day, she would have gone to nearby villages and sought alms. Amid lockdown, she won’t be allowed anywhere. Even if they did it is uncertain as everyone is concerned about their stock over the unpredictable of curfew days.

Hers’ is one among 300 families of nomadic communities, residing in LKB Nagar, who traditionally earn livelihood by lashing with a whip, popularly called as sattaiyadi.

There are two hundred more families known as ‘boomboom mattukarars’ and fortunetellers who travel extensively for their livelihood. With a curfew in place, they are now restricted to their village.

“We returned a month ago to take part in our temple festival. Just when we were about to leave, curfew came into being. With little money left has been spent, we are having only porridge using the PDS rice. We are running out of ration we got last month,” S Chinna Kannaiyan, a 58-year-old said.


G Kaliamma, a mother of five, said “We are getting 15 to 20 kg for a ration card depending on the number of family members. It is enough for just half a month. Local leaders from BJP offered 5 kg free rice per family a couple of days ago and we have finished consuming it too. We will have to starve if they do not get rice in another few days,” she said.


R Ellappan said that they used to get anywhere between Rs 200 to Rs 300 a day when they venture out seeking alms. It is enough for the day’s food and money to be spent on their children’s education.