(IN): Snake Charming: A Dying Art

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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4820249.cms

 

Snake Charming: A Dying Art

TNN 25 July 2009, 10:00pm IST

 

Snake charming works, on the fact that snakes are deaf. The waves of the

sounds from certain instruments are identified as a possible threat, which

causes the snakes to move in self-defence to the vibration. This movement

gives the impression that snake is dancing to the music.

 

The people of the community say that they have a herb 'Buti'. Due to the

herb snakes become unconscious, thus remaining inactive during the shows.

 

The snake charmers claim that the tradition and technique of snake charming

has been passed down from father to son for centuries becoming a way to

leadthe life for many families. Some say that the tradition of snake

charming goes back to almost 1,000 years. These charmers were hired by

villages to drive away dangerous snakes. They alone had the necessary skill

to catch and handle the snakes without getting bitten - and would then keep

the snakes for performances. They would round them up, then use them in

tourist shows in order to make a living for their families.

 

Why this skill does not charm anymore?

 

# Snake Charmers can no longer make a living from it.

 

# In the absence of government support, the coming generation does not want

to continue this tradition.

 

# Owing to economic hardship, people of this community cannot get education

and health facilities.

 

# Traditionally, Hindus did not kill snakes because they are regarded as the

pet of god

Shiva. But a decline in religious beliefs, has made them less popular.

 

# Under the 1972 Wildlife Protection Act it is illegal to injure, catch, or

own snakes. A snake-charmer performing on the streets risks arrest.

 

Wildlife Protection Act of 1972

 

The snake charmers usually remove the snakes fangs as a means of safety for

themselves and others around during the shows. Without their fangs the

snakes have no means to feed themselves and eventually die of starvation.

 

The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 denies the charmers the right to

continue this tradition and keep such animals as pets for commercial use.

However, the charmers claim that part of their tradition is also the

collection of the snakes venom, which aids in the formulation of life saving

drugs.

 

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