Every person on this planet possessed certain degree of talent. Some are more talented than the others, but nobody is really talent-less, agree? Also, when it comes to having skills, the nature really doesn’t discriminate between the rich or the poor. And thought is beautifully reflected in this lesser known corner of West Delhi- the Kathputli Colony. It is located in Shadipur and is home to a number of artists with diverse talents. From magicians to puppeteers, jugglers, musicians, snake charmers, to dancers– people living in this tiny colony are talented AF!
For the last 50 years, the colony has been housing close to 3500 families. Over the decades, the active artists have been bringing the street alive with their talent and art.
How it All Began:
Back in the 1950s, the place was nothing more than a piece of vacant land beside a jungle in West Delhi. The tent camp was set up here by wandering puppeteers from Rajasthan, which is where it gets its name from- Kathputli Colony, which translates into the wooden puppets’ colony. Even the street performers of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra have moved in here now. The area is surrounded by West Delhi areas of Mayapuri and Naraina.
In 2018, the Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) provided a permanent house to residents of slums. The 5.22 hectares of the colony was redeveloped. Around 405 families have taken up the government’s offer by DDA of buying homes at a reduced price, and many of them have already moved out to transit camps.
Harsh Realities of The Colony
Narrow lanes with broken paths, filth all around and open sewers, the condition of Kathputli Colony is disgraceful. The colony streets are full of little children prancing around. The houses seems ready to fall apart, the amount of cleanliness and hygiene is zero.
The colony is the only place that is home to street performers from 14 states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh belonging to diverse communities such as Muslims, Adivasis, Yadavs, Balmikis, Kushths, Nats and Bagris, among others.
Culture And Tradition
Kathputli Colony is the largest community of street performers. Passing the ages of knowledge and skills to the new generation is quite visible amongst the rising stars of the colony.
From little kids to old grandparents, everyone converses comfortably and are always eager to share their stories. The door to every house is painted a different colour and the women are all dressed in their traditional vibrant Rajasthani attire and accessories. People usually talk in Rajasthani language and in every corner of the colony you will find people humming Rajasthani songs. The younger ones are always excited to perform.
Hidden Talent of The Stars
Kathputli Colony is a colourful place with million dreams of the growing kids. The kids have amazing talent and with full confidence, they showcase the talent to the outsiders. Behind every wall of this colony is a star, which is slowly dying because of discouragement in their daily life.
It is a home to immense talent in all the masters of the art forms. The largest conglomeration of street artists- Kathputli Colony nurtures talent behind every closed door, fostering art at every narrow turn and whispering music with the passing breeze.
How to reach there?
From years, the Kathputli colony has been famous and easy to find. It’s located near Shadipur Depot. Get down at Shadipur metro station and walk straight for 7 minutes. Otherwise if you ask for the directions and in return all you get the answer is You will know that you have reached once you find all filth around you.
Where: Kathputli Colony, Shadipur, New Delhi
(Featured Image Source: yourshot.nationalgeographic)
