Life of the Jogi Community

The Jogis are more than snake charmers; they are storytellers, spiritual guides, and custodians of their vibrant cultural legacy

Ali Nawaz Rahimoo

The Jogi community, also known as Yogi or Jugi, is one of South Asia’s most ancient and culturally rich groups. Their roots run deep in spiritualism, folk traditions, and a nomadic or semi-nomadic way of life that has been passed down orally through generations. These traditions are not codified laws but a way of life steeped in mysticism, self-discipline, and spiritual practices that connect them intimately with nature.

Spread across Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, the Jogis have a diverse geographical presence. In Pakistan, they are predominantly found in Sindh—especially in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, and Sanghar—as well as in parts of Punjab such as Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, and Multan. Smaller groups also inhabit Balochistan in Naseerabad and Sibi. Across the border in India, they are mainly seen in Rajasthan’s desert regions of Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Jodhpur, near the Thar Desert, along with communities in Gujarat’s Kutch and Bhuj, and other states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. In West Bengal and Odisha, some groups migrated, working as folk artists or healers. Bangladesh hosts smaller Jogi communities near Khulna and Rajshahi, often associated with traditional baul music.

Historically, the Jogis are renowned for their spiritual and cultural roles. They are closely linked to Shaivite (Hindu) mysticism, devoted to Lord Shiva—often depicted with a cobra around his neck—symbolizing their spiritual strength and mastery over fear. Many Jogis, particularly in Pakistan, are followers of the Nath Yogi order, embodying ascetic ideals and devotion to Shiva. A prominent aspect of their practice has been snake charming, an art rooted in the mystical connection they believe exists between humans and snakes. Using traditional instruments like the Been or Pungi, they put on mesmerizing performances, believed to invoke spiritual power and bring blessings to audiences.

Beyond their role as performers, Jogis have long been folk healers, storytelling poets, and custodians of oral traditions. They often use herbs and sometimes snake parts for herbal medicine and healing rituals. Their practices and stories reflect a worldview that views snakes as sacred creatures representing divine power, wisdom, and protection.

Despite this rich cultural heritage, the modern era has posed significant challenges. Wildlife laws aimed at protecting snakes have restricted their traditional occupation of snake catching, forcing many Jogis to seek alternative livelihoods. Urbanization and changing societal tastes further erode their traditional roles, leading to economic hardship and social exclusion. Most Jogi children lack access to education, perpetuating poverty and marginalization. They are often regarded as lower caste or outsiders, which limits opportunities for social support from mainstream society.

In response to these pressures, many Jogis are demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Some now participate in folk music festivals, documenting their traditions through media, storytelling, and performances. Others are shifting toward modern jobs—like labor work, street vending, or agriculture—while striving to keep alive their spiritual and cultural identity. Cultural preservationists and researchers have also begun documenting their oral literature, music, and spiritual knowledge, ensuring that their ancient wisdom is not lost to the march of modernization.

Today, the Jogi community stands at a crossroads. They are more than snake charmers; they are storytellers, spiritual guides, and custodians of their vibrant cultural legacy. Their way of life, though seemingly simple, carries centuries of history intertwined with spirituality and ecological wisdom. As South Asia continues to modernize rapidly, the task of preserving and empowering the Jogis is more urgent than ever. It is not just about protecting their traditions but honoring their vital role in the region’s cultural landscape—a living testament to resilience, faith, and timeless knowledge.

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Ali Nawaz Rahimoo is a freelance writer based in Umarkot, Sindh