Amy Allocco, a professor of religious studies at Elon University, was the keynote speaker at the 6th annual Religion Graduate Students Association Symposium at the University of Florida on March 27-28, 2026. Her talk focused on the pampaikkārar, a group of musicians who play a traditional drum called the pampai. They invoke deities through song in various Hindu contexts.
Allocco shared insights from her recent fieldwork in Tamil-speaking South India. She explained how pampaikkārar not only create music but also serve as ritual specialists. Their performances adapt to changing social and devotional needs while maintaining their credibility. This balance is crucial to inspiring what Allocco called the “god-feeling” in worshippers.
Vasudha Narayanan, a distinguished professor at the University of Florida, introduced Allocco. During her keynote, Allocco highlighted how musicians innovate their performances in response to evolving tastes and societal roles. This dynamic nature of worship shows the lively interaction between tradition and change.
After her talk, Allocco hosted a seminar for graduate students, discussing research methods in the study of religion. This session allowed students to ask questions about ethnography and research ethics, promoting an open dialogue about their own projects. Participating students explored two of Allocco’s journal articles, which provided a foundation for their discussions.
The symposium, supported by the University of Florida’s Department of Religion and the Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere, featured various paper sessions the following day. This event not only fostered academic dialogue but also showcased the vital and innovative nature of religious practices today.
Understanding the role of traditional musicians like pampaikkārar illustrates how culture evolves and adapts while maintaining its roots. Such dynamics can be seen across different faiths and regions, highlighting the universal human experience of seeking connection through art and spirituality. Studies have shown that engaging with diverse cultural practices can lead to greater empathy and understanding, which is particularly important in our interconnected world.
For more insights into religious studies and the significance of music in worship, check out resources from the [American Academy of Religion](https://www.aarweb.org), which offers a wealth of research and information on these topics.
