The ancient performance art of sword swallowing is a popular attraction at carnivals, traveling sideshows and apparently TED Talks. Its origins are found in India almost 4,000 years ago, and over time spread throughout the world to other cultures. Interestingly enough, the practice of swallowing multiple swords didn’t become popular until the 19th century or so, with sword swallowers vying to be the most unique attraction.
Enter one Ramesh Chandra Kasera. In September of 2006, Indore, India-based Kasera swallowed eleven swords at once, keeping the Indian tradition of sword-swallowing alive. According to the video, he used to perform in a traveling troupe, and took up the craft when his uncle injured himself performing the same trick. Why anyone would willingly do this after seeing a loved one get hurt doing it is beyond me, but hey, more power to him.
Not content with just swallowing sharp blades, he decides to top off the performance with the careful placement of burning sticks, presumably incense, in his mouth. Who needs mouthwash when you can have the sweet scent of patchouli?
Unfortunately for Kasera, larger numbers of swords have been swallowed, such as woman’s world record holder Natasha Veruschka, who swallowed 13 swords at the Third Annual Sword Swallower’s Convention on September 3, 2004. Although impressive, you gotta give a hand to Red Stuart, who swallowed 50 swords at once at the International Sword Swallower Awareness Day on February 28th, 2009.
Well, at least Kasera has the whole “eating burning embers” thing going for him.
Resources:
http://www.weirdasianews.com/2010/06/28/indian-man-swallows-eleven-swords-reason/
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