Magic fair begins in Kolkata with over 500 artistes

Over 500 magicians from across India are here to showcase their bag of tricks and illusions at the five-day long Magic Fair, organisers said here on Wednesday.

"Artistes with expertise in ventriloquism, juggling, puppet shows, hand shadow-graphy and street magic have gathered here from 11 Indian states to showcase their skills in the third edition of the fair. Experts from neighbouring countries like Bangladesh are also present," a member of Federation of Indian Magic Associates, the organising body, told IANS.

Acts like close-up, impromptu and conjuring magic are the highlights of the fest while sand animation workshops are slated to be held on the sidelines of the event which is being held at Rabindra Sadan.

"This is the largest and only such fair in Asia. Earlier magicians had a tough time to eke out a living but now they are getting invitations to launch products etc.," the member said.