A madari, or monkey handler, would visit a neighborhood in Delhi with two monkeys, performing tricks that amused local children and engaged adults. Although using monkeys for entertainment is illegal, the practice remains common, and many neighborhood elders would patronize him. The madari was known for announcing his arrival with a pellet drum, prompting laughter and excitement. On a later visit, the author spotted the madari again, but he and the monkeys turned away, marking a poignant moment reflecting change over time in the neighborhood.
Years ago, a madari and his two performing monkeys visited my Delhi neighborhood, drawing crowds of delighted kids and haggling grandparents despite the practice being illegal.
The madari would announce his arrival with a pellet drum, engaging the children as they giggled at the monkeys performing tricks like somersaulting and hugging.
On a recent visit, I spotted the madari again, but he turned his back to me, perhaps signifying the passage of time and change.
Despite the illegality of using monkeys for performance in India, the act persists as a cherished neighborhood experience for the children and elders.
Collection
[
|
...
]