Circus - A declining art

Circus, an art that attracted the people world wide, is now in the wedge of decline. The existence of circus is challenged world wide especially in India. Circus, as a declining art form, is not preserved or encouraged well.
Often the circus people entertain us by making their life at risk. When they are walking on the narrow threads, when they play with man-eating carnivores, when they fly high to touch the sky, all they do is to make us laugh by endangering themselves. When they end up their performance and successfully leave a smile with audience, they are entering into another rebirth.
About twenty years before, circus was a good ‘entertaining business’ that had talented opportunities in our country. Now, the situation has changed and today this art is added in the declined arts. Within these twenty years, most of the circus artists have changed their profession.
The media revolution and the central government order to ban the use of animals in circus have changed the entire scenario of this art form. The public often misinterpret circus as an art of exploitation by assuming that the artist are forced to wear disgusting costumes by the circus owners for the financial profit. Now, circus is like any other art form with respectable salary and other allowances. However, though the situations have changed, no one is ready to survive in this profession.
The young generation artists started moving towards cinema, advertising and many other media profession. When the entertaining profession like magic shows, film, folklore etc are appreciated and recognized through various awards by government, circus still stands out. In addition, like other arts, circus does not have any organizations or unions in common. When the government show keen interest in providing place and space for cricket, football they should turn back to circus too. Also, the municipality should avoid imposing high taxation on their land for exhibiting the circus.
The technological improvisation and development of modern equipments have influenced the success of film industry. But the circus is existing only with the talents and risks taken by the artists. Circus also tells the story of the communal harmony and brotherliness. They work hand in hand. They are the co-travelers of danger and calamity. They appear in the ring every time as a test of luck to live.
When this art form makes the audience laugh, but with tears in the eyes of the artists, it is the duty of our government and public to nurture the art of circus. The ‘circus’ both as an entertainment and an art form, should be encouraged.