Indian snake charmer- a stereotypical tourist attraction on Indian streets. Delhi, India
Budh Nath belongs to the Jogi Nath Sapera or snake charmers community from Jodhpur in Rajasthan north India Once an icon of Indian culture charmers are struggling for survival Victims of the stringent Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 Snake charming is an inherited profession partly due to India s caste system The reptiles are inextricably intertwined with the Sapera or Sapuakela castes. During the snake festival of Nag Panchimi in July August cobras are worshipped fed with rats and milk and set free Snake charmers were traditional healers who treated snakebite and with their vast knowledge of herbal medicines also treated skin infections gastric and menstrual problems asthma and paralysis The men travel in groups often for three months at a stretch They usually wear saffron and turbans in blazing orange fiery red or shimmering pink The charmer walks the streets with his Been or traditional Indian flute made from a dried bottle gourd plant and two cane baskets or pots containing a cobra and an earth boa hanging from a bamboo pole slung over the shoulder The Indian cobra is preferred though some charmers may also use Russell vipers Indian and Burmese pythons are also encountered The snake charmer usually rouses a snake by blowing a Pungi horn or a Been A typical performance may also include street performance staples like juggling and sleight of hand They earn 75 rupees US 1 7 a day which is more than the minimum wage rate in most Indian Saperas have formed music bands of seven During the wedding season each Sapera can earn nearly 3 000 rupees US 66 per month India 2006
Size: 3788px × 5480px
Location: New Delhi, India
Photo credit: © Ladi Kirn / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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