World Circus Day: An inspiring journey of circus in India

Today marks the celebration of 11th World Circus Day. This day is annually celebrated on the third Saturday of April. The day aims to appreciate the unique performing art-form. Every year millions of people around the globe participate in the celebrations, reminding us of our shared cultural heritage.

Worldwide circuses have been popular for a long time. However, in India, the circus had its own grandeur. 

The Great Indian Circus (1880) created by Vishnupant Chatre from Maharashtra was the first Indian circus. It also performed in Sri Lanka, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, and China. In 1888, Keeleri Kunhikannan, a martial arts and gymnastics teacher, considered as ‘The Father of The Indian Circus’ opened a one-of-a-kind ‘Circus Training Hall’ in the Thalassery suburb of Chirakkara, Kerala. Many of his students went on to gain worldwide recognition and popularity.

Bollywood, too, had its romance with circus. From Mera Naam Joker (1970), to Kalabaaz (1977), to Don (1978), to Shaan (1980), to Appu Raja (1990), to Krrish (2006), to Dhoom 3 (2013), many films either had its plot in the backdrop of circus or promoted it.

Even the 1989 TV show, Circus made Shah Rukh Khan a household name. Years later, his journey as a superstar begun. 

The technological changes and modification of laws led to the fall of the circus business in India. One of such significant incidents was the ban on animal use in circus acts. The lions, tigers, elephants, horses and many other animals were used to make up entertaining circus acts. 

When the Government of India banned the use of wild animals, the business got affected severely. Another factor was the restriction on the age of working employees. No employee under the age of 18 years was allowed to perform in the circus. The circus acts require rigorous training and individuals willing to learn the art were trained since a young age. But when the government declared this new order, many trained children were not allowed to act in circuses; this was another blow to the business.

In India, some of the famous circuses include Rambo Circus, Great Bombay Circus, Great Rayman Circus, Great Royal Circus, Gemini Circus, to name a few. Till date, these circuses have continually entertained the audiences. We must remember that even though the circuses are struggling to survive in India, once they were considered as one of the most beloved and popular forms of entertainment.

Shreya Katkar

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