Street performers walk

For more than 60 years, the street artists and performers of India's north had lived in a slum area near Shadipur station in west Delhi. It was known as Kathputli Colony and was home to some 2800 families of magicians, snake charmers, acrobats, singers, dancers, henna artists, jugglers - and much more!

Kathputli was the slum that inspired author Salman Rushdie to include it in his celebrated novel, Midnight's Children. "Kathputli" in the Hindi language means "puppet" ...

In late 2017, the worst nightmares of Kathputli's residents became a reality when the whole area was demolished for the reconstruction of new homes. The residents, some forced into homelessness.

Street Tours was a supporter of these colourful and immensely talented families in their former neighbourhood and are very proud to continue the tradition by inviting tourists to be guided to the residential streets and modest homes of many street performers - who will be only too happy to put on a show for you!