For decades, the rhythmic beat of the damru (hand drum) and the melodies of a flute were enough to draw crowds around traditional majmaa (street
An illustrative image related to: Street magic loses its audience, highlighting key aspects of the story. | Image source: The Express Tribune
Street magic loses its audience
For decades, the rhythmic beat of the damru (hand drum) and the melodies of a flute were enough to draw crowds around traditional majmaa (street gathering) performers.
Children watched in amazement, adults applauded sleight-of-hand tricks, and performers earned enough to backing their families. Today, however, those crowds have largely disappeared, replaced by a surfeit of smartphone screens and online entertainment.
Among those witnessing the slow drop of this centuries-old tradition is snake charmer and street performer Asghar Ali, who states the growing use of the internet, repeated application of statute of Section 144 restricting general gatherings, and periodic province-imposed lockdowns have devastated the livelihood of traditional entertainers.
"The industry is almost finished," Asghar stated. "Individuals no longer gather to watch us. Everything they want to see is available on the internet."
Asghar belongs to a family that has performed madari or majmaa shows for generations.
He recalled accompanying his elders as a child, learning the art simply by watching them entertain crowds in villages, bazaars and metro streets.
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