OI Special Report: Charmed! Meet The Young Snake Charmers of Ayodhya

In the heart of Ayodhya, along the serene banks of the Sarayu River, a unique scene unfolds daily. Meet Anshu, an 11-year-old girl who has been playing with snakes since the tender age of 3.

Her routine includes bringing her snake to the Sarayu Ghat every morning from 10 am to 4 pm, immersing herself in the evening Aarti, and then heading home.

Anshu, enamored with TV dramas and uncertain about her future aspirations, has carved a distinctive routine that intertwines her love for snakes with the religious ambience of the ghat.

Visitors, motivated by religious beliefs, curiosity, or even fear, contribute to the young charmers' income. Some seek blessings associated with Lord Shiva, who wears a snake around his neck, while others are drawn by the thrill of a photograph with these captivating reptiles.

Anshu, like her friends Khushboo, Jyoti, Pushpa, and Simmi, belongs to a community of young snake charmers, each carrying a basket with their slithery companions.

The snake charmers of Ayodhya, traditionally a nomadic community, find themselves at an interesting intersection of change, especially with the Ram Temple finally taking shape and slated for inauguration on Jan 22, 2024.

The Modi government has recognised the importance of empowering and integrating them into mainstream society. This emphasis signifies a shift toward inclusivity and cultural preservation, acknowledging the rich tapestry of Ayodhya's diverse communities.

As the young snake charmers continue their unique tradition against the backdrop of the Sarayu Ghat, their stories reflect both resilience and adaptation in a rapidly developing India.