The Alley of Magic (67 images)

A petite settlement in north-west Delhi has a shade of wonder added to it! The 'Kathputli Colony' - as it is popularly known is no different from a typical Indian slum with its worn-out shanties, dirty lanes and pitiable basic infrastructure. But the people who throng the alleys of this illegal skid row are sorcerers in their own ways. Walking the lanes one might bump into a juggler honing his skills in front of a discoloured wall or a fire eater practicing his passion on a roof-top.
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A petite settlement in north-west Delhi has a shade of wonder added to it! The 'Kathputli Colony' - as it is popularly known is no different from a typical Indian slum with its worn-out shanties, dirty lanes and pitiable basic infrastructure. But the people who throng the alleys of this illegal skid row are sorcerers in their own ways. Walking the lanes one might bump into a juggler honing his skills in front of a discoloured wall or a fire eater practicing his passion on a roof-top.

Over the past 60 years skilled performing artist - magicians, acrobats, jugglers, musicians, dancers and puppeteers bearing their indigenous art forms from various parts of India have converged here in Kathputli Colony.

These professionals earn a living out of their art. Some who have garnered success are called at 5-star hotels, also traveling across the globe on invitations to perform at international fairs and festivals. Others are regulars at private parties, marriages etc. Admirations and accolades have also come naturally. But nothing has distanced these 2000 families from the place where they dwell and live in a tangle.

Thus at the end of every journey they come back to these dingy lanes, which has become a part of their identity - a resort woven in passion of art and touched with the magic of life.
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