Know about the Indian tribe where kids are taught to become snake charmers

New Delhi: India, known as the ‘land of snake charmers' has a unique tribe in Gujarat where children as young as two years are trained to become snake charmers.At a tender age, these children are taught the tactic of facing a poisonous snake.The children have to complete ten years of training until the boys become skilled snake charmers. The role of the girls is to take care of the snakes like a mother who nurtures her kid. When the child attains the age of 12 years, he is expected to know everything about snakes. In India, animals are treated with respect as they are considered the vehicles of God. Cobras are worshipped as ‘Naag devta' as it is the accoutrement of Lord Shiva. Naag Devtas are worshipped and treated with affection and care. The Vadi tribe consider themselves as the descendents of ‘Naag devta' and teach their children the same.The tribesmen keep the snakes with them for not more than seven months. They feed the snake with a herbal mixture that lessens the effect of the poison. They do not cut the fangs of the snake as that would hurt them. For Vadis, the snake and the charmer have to build a trust amongst themselves. In 1991, snake charming was declared illegal after intervention of animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi. Since then Vadis have been forced to flee the villages and are under scrutiny for carrying snakes. This has caused great misery for the tribe which wants to continue their tradition but are not able to, due to pressure from the government.