Illicit devotion: Priests for a day, snake charmers for a lifetime

Abstract

The Kalbeliya caste is closely and, in many ways, associated with the snake, specifically the cobra. The social, economic, cultural, and religious profile of the caste, also known by the names Sapera and Nath, is defined, in part or whole, by its relationship with the cobra. Although other forms of employment have greatly replaced the traditional profession of snake charmers associated with the caste, the connection with the snake remains strong. Even in its new configuration as a caste of musicians and dancers, the community has retained its connection to the cobra, which is present in many aspects of Kalbeliyas’ artistic performance. Moreover, although Indian law has made snake charming illegal, the traditional profession of snake charmers is still part of the caste's economic strategies and socio-cultural profile. Generally associated with mendicancy, snake charmers' profession also involves ritual skills, which are typically required at the Nāg-pañcamī (Snake’s Fifth) festival, a minor festival celebrated throughout North India on the fifth day of the light half of the Hindu month Sāvan (Śrāvaña). In this paper, after discussing the role of the cobra in defining the past and present socio-cultural profile of the caste, I will attempt to outline the role of the Kalbeliyas in Nāg-pañcamī celebration in Rajasthan.