Sri Lanka’s disappearing snake charmers carry a legacy of fear and fascination

Colombo – For generations, it was not uncommon to see a man playing a flute in Sri Lankan towns and villages, perched on his haunches beside a woven basket. From this basket emerged a cobra, displaying its hood in a rhythmically swaying dance, seemingly charmed by the music. This mesmerizing performance, often described as almost magical, drew curious crowds eager to witness the spectacle. However, the community behind this tradition, known locally as the Ahikuntika, is rapidly disappearing.

The Ahikuntika, also referred to as Sri Lanka’s gypsies or Sri Lankan Telugus, have long traveled from place to place, with men performing as snake charmers and monkey performers, while women were primarily associated with fortune-telling or soothsaying. Historical accounts describe temporary settlements and an itinerant lifestyle, as families moved between communities to earn a living through performances and traditional livelihoods.

These days, however, the art of snake charming has become exceedingly rare. In an interview, 75-year-old retired schoolteacher Chandrasena Liyanarachchi recalled that during their childhood, snake charmers were a familiar sight near markets. Groups of itinerant performers would travel village to village, announcing their arrival with the rhythmic beats of a small hand drum.

Sri Lankans have a deep-seated fear of venomous cobras (Naja naja), yet they also hold a cultural significance for these reptiles. They often observe them with a mixture of awe and respect, even as the tradition of snake charming fades away.