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 5 decades 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 or by Maharajas of feudal estates, 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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A lady standing in an alley at Katputly colony in New Delhi, India

Ravi Vatt is a Kacchi Ghori performer from Katputly colony in New Delhi, India

A. Kishan is a jugler from Andhra Pradesh now staying at Katputly colony. He performed in countries like USA, UK, France, Germany and Spain. He regularly performs in a resturant in Pahargunj area in New Delhi. New Delhi, India.

A young girl carrying water on her head in one of the alleys at Katputly colony in New Delhi, India.

Old artisans playing game of card at Katputly colony in New Delhi, India

The main road at Katputly colony in New Delhi, India

A boy sitting in the front of his one roomed house at Katputly colony in New Delhi, India.

An acrobat practices in front of his house at Katputly colony in New Delhi, India.

Santosh Bhaat, a puppeteer posing with his puppet in his house at Katputly colony. Dubai, Holland, Spain, France, Germany and Belgium are the countries where he performed.

Youngsters at Katputly colony in New Delhi, India.

People staying inside a destroyed house at Katputly colony in New Delhi, India.

Md. Yusoof is a magician from Andhra Pradesh presently staying at  Katputly colony in New Delhi, India. He learnt his tricks from his father Chand Pasha and performed in America UK and Taiwan.  New Delhi. India.

Kishan Bharti works as a tall man and rope artist and stays at Katputly colony in New Delhi, India

Slum of Katputly colony in New Delhi, India.

Billu Bhat is a fire eater from Rajasthan now staying with his family at Katputly colony in New Delhi, India. He also performed at Cannes film festival (outside the main auditorium) and two times in Holland Mundial. New Delhi, India.

A performer in his house at Katputly colony in New Delhi, India.

Girls in their house at Kathputly colony in New Delhi, India.

Bhagaban Das (in the middle) is a very well known sufi singer from Katputly colony and travelled throughout the world in last 30 years. New Delhi, India.

Leela Keshar is a Dhol performer staying at Katputly colony in New Delhi, India. He generally performs in Marrige cerimonies and folk art festivals through out the country and also once visited Dubai to perform. New Delhi, India.

Ladies in their daily chore at Katputly colony in New Delhi, India.

A Dhol (Indian Drum) player going for his work from his house at Katputly colony in New Delhi, India.

A rope artist performs at Katputly colony in New Delhi, India.

Ajeeta is a Bhawai dancer staying at Katputly colony in New Delhi, India. She performed in China, France, Holland, Japan, Switzerland, Belgium and Dubai. New Delhi, India.

A lady sits with her child  in front of his house at Katputly colony in New Delhi, India.

A madari (a man who show tricks with animals) and his monkeys at their house in Katputly colony in New Delhi, India

A lady prepairing dinner at Katputly colony in New Delhi, India.