Street performers were a part of the Indian scene long before the British arrived in the 17th century. These traditional performers went from village to village bringing entertainment and news. Sometimes, they were a villages only link to the "outside" world. As rural villages became linked through films, radio, television and now the internet, opportunities for these performers dwindled. Survival is tenuious and incomes are uncertain as villagers look to other means of entertainment.

Some of the street performers we saw during our visit are pictured below. Click on each photograph for an expanded view.

Street performance is a family affair. Sons and daughters learn the trade from techniques handed down from generation to generation. We ran across these street performers in Osyian performing at the entrance to the Jain Temple.

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This street performer was entertaining the tourists at Teelon Ki Pol by Gadisisar Lake on the outskirts of Jaisalmer.

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Yes, snake charmers do exist in India. These were plying their trade near Fatehpur Sikri. The snakes are kept in the baskets until they are called on to entertain the crowd. Then, they are made to dance to the music of a flute-like instrument made from a gourd.

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For more on snake charmers in India, visit:
India Profile "Snake Hunting Not A Charming Business"