Monday, August 21, 2006

Snake-charmers...


Those who do it for a living - so-called ‘snake-charmers.’ Most are illiterate or barely educated and it’s generally a hereditary profession. Between Mysore and Bangalore alone there are about 119 families, while the number for Karnataka is approximately 1,000. More >>

Many snake charmers live a wandering existence, visiting towns and villages on market days and during festivals. With a few rare exceptions, however, they typically make every effort to keep themselves from harm's way. For one, the charmer typically sits out of biting range, and his animal is sluggish and reluctant to attack anyway. More drastic means of protection include removing the creature's fangs or venom glands, or even sewing the snake's mouth shut. The most popular species are those native to the snake charmer's home region, typically various kinds of cobra, though vipers and other types are also used. More >>

Conservationists or rescuers: They catch a snake in as humane a way as possible, and then release it into a safe habitat like a wildlife sanctuary/forest. There are about 15 in Karnataka. And since they don’t get paid for it and are doing it out of a passion for the snake, they hold regular bread-and-butter jobs.
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6 comments:

Unknown Mon Aug 21, 02:55:00 PM GMT+5:30  

What an interesting story. Look at the child who bravely touching the snake. Nice photo! That child is sweet.

Sally Thu Aug 24, 02:37:00 PM GMT+5:30  

Snakes give me the creeps big time!

Unknown Thu Aug 24, 08:56:00 PM GMT+5:30  

thanks..

the snake is made into a vegatable, after removing fangs it becomes as harmless as a ballon...

Chris Sat Aug 26, 03:44:00 PM GMT+5:30  

The way the kid has its hand on the animal is so protective : a strange feeling comes when looking at the shot as our kids mostly have hand in fur...

JaamZIN Fri Sep 01, 03:15:00 AM GMT+5:30  

I like that you have several photos of people. Maybe because we live in very different cultures seeing the people in your city is more impressive to me then any amazing buildings or the nature around.

david c welker Tue Oct 10, 09:47:00 PM GMT+5:30  

i love browsing your blogs. your pics are wonderful and moving.