Sword-swallowing is one dangerous act, the genuine ones are ones you rarely get to see. While your knees go weak just at the thought of plunging something inside your throats, these daredevils are not worried about swords as big as 30 inches in the mouth.

Celebrating the World Sword Swallower's day, a 6th anniversary of the celebration of an event that has been popular since times immemorial, George the giant was warned not to perform any of the tricks he earlier did in front of the crowds due to other health problems unrelated to the event. But he didn't hold himself back entertaining the crowds with other acts.

There were people who were hauling a big coke bottle that was suspended from a thread and at the other end of the thread were fish hooks that were hooked to the eyes of a performer. The phone book was ripped apart in half with bare hands, and another hammered a nail just under seven inches, into his nose. Ouch!

These death-defying acts deserve a mention, the people need more recognition. The calm with which they perform is unbelievable. Their dedication is inhuman. People learn for more than a year and hone their crafts to perfection over their career span of decades. Every time they practice or perform, there is a great likelihood that they might hurt themselves fatally.

This event was sponsored by Ripley's association and the Sword Swallowers Association International. The latter has sponsored many events and they supported the esophageal cancer research with the earnings. Awestruck audience and treatments for cancer patients; a humble bow to these men who put their lives on the line!

(AW- Anil)