The advent of DJ culture in marriage processions has stolen the music from the traditional band parties.

The business of band parties, which once used to be the brightest part of marriage processions, has witnessed around 30 per cent erosion in demand. And band players are obviously not happy and are cursing the changing preferences of people.

Ashraf Hussain (32), the owner of Mohammad Musa Band Party, one of the oldest band parties running in the city since 1935, said: "People look for fast beats and we have our limitations in comparison to the DJs who just play CDs. The new songs are mostly peppy, which suit the temperament of young people dancing in the marriage procession. Some songs are so fast that we can't even think of playing them."

Mohan Prasad (55), the owner of Sri Mohan Band Party, said: "Some families who want to keep the marriages low-key go solely for DJs in the marriage processions. While we charge around Rs 18,000 to Rs 21,000 to perform in each marriage procession, a DJ charges only Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 for the same."

Anisabad resident Shelley Singh, who recently hired a DJ for a family marriage ceremony, said the family members unanimously chose him over a band party.