What is a fakir ?

A fakir is a Muslim or Hindu mendicant who travels between villages reciting scripture and performing various physical feats. In some regions, fakirs are a topic of controversy, as some people consider them to be mystics with holy powers, while others suggest that they are simply magicians, using a variety of tricks to hoodwink people. Whether fakirs are spiritual messengers or simply magicians, they have quite an air of mystique, and many people have become fascinated by the fakir community.